In this week’s Story Works Round Table, Alida, Kathryn, and Robert discuss flawed heroes, and how you create a believable hero who still has room to grow.
VIDEO
AUDIO
SHOW NOTES
How do you create a competent character who still has to grow? How do you utilize motivation to create plausibility? And how do you develop flaws that help your character keep their competence?
What we talked about:
How do you create a competent and strong character your reader can root for, who still has a long way to grow? (0:32)
Do we understand why the character is making that choice? (3:29)
What about when the character can only see one option? (4:50)
Don’t make it too easy for your main character, use their flaws to your advantage. (7:08)
How to develop interesting flaws. (9:32)
They can be competent throughout, but their competency can’t be ruined or questioned in climactic moments. (16:02)
LINKS
Things we mentioned:
Jack Reacher by Lee Child
Strictly Ballroom
Want more about these topics? Check out:
SWRT 8: Active Protagonists
SWRT 007: Arcless Protagonists
SWRT 029: Emotional Wounds & Character Development
SWRT 061: Character Motivation
SWRT 132: Strong Female Protagonist