Jul 22, 2010

Wannabe Writers #26

Wannabe Writers is a writing group for the un-published and anyone is welcome to join. It's a place where future authors can ask questions, share stories, and get feedback. Click (here) to find more about how it works.

Where I am in the writing process: Unpublished. Been writing since Nov. 2008.

My current problem(s): So I started this week rolling along on my word count. Man, I even wrote 3,000 words in one day. Then I read a fantastic book (Fallen) and it all backfired on me. I started second guessing myself as a writer. This tends to happen every time I read something especially good and it always takes a few days more me to regain my confidence. But until that happen--this really bits.

This week's question: Character Flaws. Okay, I know I need those to make my characters realistic, but I also know the flaws shouldn't make the reader hate your character. So what are some good, hero-worthy, none-hateable, character flaws?

6 comments:

sarah darlington said...

I know this is really early this week, but I'm leaving tomorrow and will be gone this weekend. So I'm posting today. Have a good weekend all. :)

Miranda Hardy said...

I hope you have a fabulous weekend. My MC biggest flaw in my last novel would have to be bitterness. She went through quite a lot.

Witless Exposition said...

Have a great weekend! I think the best character flaws are good characteristics taken to the extreme. Some one being self-sacrificing to the point of being a doormat. Someone being proud of their accomplishments to the point of being a blowhard. Someone being honest to the point of cruelty. If it's good enough for the ancient greeks, you know? :)

Swimmer said...

I think that characters should have flaws but they should make people feel a certain way. Like Luce in fallen her Flaw was she cracked her knuckles it wasn't that she constantly hopped up and down and sang when she was bored because that would be annoying!! Anyway take flaws in moderation and make them subtle but there

Anonymous said...

"I think the key is to ensure that the flaws are explained. Their anger issues are justified, their hatred for animals has a story to go along with it, etc. You don't want to make them terribly flawed/mean (unless that's what you're going for), of course. My point is, however, that the flaws need to be within reason. Can I relate to the character? Can I sympathize? Or is he/she cruel for the sake of being cruel?"

From my post. :D

Robin M said...

Author envy is hard. Just have to remember we all have something different to contribute and can't compare ourselves to others.