A protagonist with flaws is always more interesting. Those
flaws are particularly helpful to short story writers. It helps in relating a
character while using a minimum amount of words.
Years ago I heard a motivational speaker make a presentation
in front of sales people. He said something that stayed with me, “In your
weaknesses you will find your strengths.”
The words flaws and traits can be used interchangeably
when they are describing a character. Traits
help us shape a character, for better or worse.
An example is a basic trait many people have: the fear of failure. This
trait can be used to show how a person is careful, prepared and focused on a
task to avoid failure. In this way it’s not a flaw at all but a strength.
The reverse trait is the fear of success. Characters can
suddenly find them thrust into situations that require them to overcome
adversities. Once she succeeds, the responsibility that is suddenly hers can be
overwhelming.
Another trait could be described as a need for independence.
Our main character could express this emotion in tension between her and a
partner. How about fear of the unknown? This stems from a situation when our
character is going into unchartered territory. She can sweat and even tremble
as she is confronted with this trait that will carry the readers along her
journey. Fear of the unknown can be used in many plot points. It puts the
character and the reader into unknown territories.
In general, the hero has fears that give him or her a
challenge. She confronts the challenge and fails. She fails the challenge again
and then a third time. Eventually our protagonist succeeds or fails completely,
it’s your choice. Keep in mind that readers want a definite conclusion, and
they prefer a pleasant ending.
Sometimes, however, we have to let the antagonist, our villain, win.
Thank you for reading this blog. Check here in about a week
for another subject. See my web page at www. joevlatino.com.
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