I'm working so hard on a new spec, and I got the most crushing note back the other day: there's nothing wrong with the main character. There's no flaw or idea that makes them relatable. Character flaws are those tiny pieces of information that go a long way for readers to understand the protagonist. See, most people are fallible and prone to make a mistake here or there (whether they'll admit it or not), so it sometimes feels alienating when the character we see on screen is just too dang perfect. Today, we're going to go over how they affect film and television writing. And we'll even give examples of characters with flaws to help inspire you. Sound good?Let's get started. Character Flaws in StorytellingIn storytelling, a character flaw is a limitation, weakness, or undesirable quality in a character's personality or makeup. Flaws can be minor quirks or major obstacles that shape a character's actions and decisions throughout the story.Why Do We Need Character Flaws in Our Writing?Have you ever heard the saying, "No one wants to watch a movie or TV show about the village of the happy people?" Well, the same goes for characters.If people are normal and nice, it's going to be hard to see them grow and learn through a satisfying arc. Your characters need flaws so we can see them either overcome them, or be consumed by them in an interesting and engaging story. Relatability: Imperfect characters feel more human and relatable to audiences. We...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Tuesday, 23 July, 2024