How To Create “complex” Characters
How to create “complex” characters
– Introduction
I wanted to make a post about creating complex and multifaceted characters, since character creation is something I'm very passionate about from both a craft and storytelling perspective. Specifically, I remember I had this tendency to apply flaws as an afterthought to my characters in hopes of making them balanced and seem more complex, and this could often make the characters feel a bit artificial to me. I'm obviously not any sort of authority figure on the subject, but I do have one tip that really simplified the process of making characters more intricate, and I wanted to share it! This is probably more helpful for people who might still be at the very beginning of their writing journey, but hopefully others can get something out of this as well! It's a bit lengthy, but I hope it's somewhat enjoyable to read ^^; Enjoy!
For a bit of background, back in the early internet days, there was this trend of judging various OCs on youtube, deviant art, etc. where people would essentially evaluate your character and determine whether or not a character was well written. During this time, the term "Mary Sue" would get thrown around a lot (which is a whole can of worms I won't be touching on here). For simplicity though, Mary Sue generally means a character who's "perfect" (again, heavy oversimplification here). To counter this, people began creating these lists of character traits where they'd list off a character's good and bad traits, and people who didn't have equal amounts in each category would often be scrutinised for it.
And I see this advice all the time. If you want complex characters, people will usually tell you to just throw on a bunch of flaws, but I think this can be a bit misleading, because most traits exist on a spectrum, and aren't a perfect dichotomy of good and bad.
Thinking of character traits as neutral
My biggest advice is honestly to just think of all character traits as neutral. Because what really is a character flaw? A flaw is a very ambiguous and subjective term after all. What might be considered a flaw in one character could be considered another character's greatest attribute, and vice versa. Functionally, a character flaw should be a trait that creates conflict within the context of the story. Any trait a person has could be good or bad, it just depends on how it shows up in practice and how it's applied in daily life. It might be tempting to think that certain traits are inherently good or bad, but again, flaws aren't really about good or bad. They're about conflict and tension, and just about any trait can work to a character's detriment or in their favour.
I'm going to list off two examples of hypothetical characters below; one who most would consider to have a lot of "good" character traits, and one that would be considered to have "bad" character traits. Then I'll show you how you can easily flip those traits to create nuance. (And again, I really don't think good or bad are relevant terms here, but it's just to exemplify what I mean more easily!)
The "Good" Character
This character is empathetic, creative and incredibly supportive of others. They always do the right thing, and are a very responsible individual. They're approachable and friendly, funny, and generally enjoyable to be around.
The "Bad" Character
This character is cunning, manipulative, and don't care if their words hurt other people's feelings. They're largely apathetic and unreceptive, don't care about rules, and don't go out of their way to get to know people.
Their flaws & how it can affect the story
For the "good" character, you can look at what the downsides of empathy can be; very reactive emotionally, perhaps even a bit emotionally impulsive. Maybe they have a difficult time recognising their own needs, especially since supportive is also a trait listed above. Maybe they even use this empathy to figure out other people's needs and use it to their own benefit. Someone who's creative can often have a difficult time committing to their passions and ideas because there's always something new. Maybe they feel out of place or easily stifled by rules, but because they always want to do the right thing, they're hesitant in outright breaking rules and social norms. If they use their empathy and approachability to manipulate, perhaps this is their way of subtly regaining a sense of control because they're too afraid to explicitly go after what they want in life. Maybe they care a lot about how they're perceived, etc. Or maybe they really are a compassionate and kind person, but they're often a doormat to others because they don't know how to set boundaries or even how to recognise what they want. Maybe they don't trust their own judgment because they're so used to doing the right thing "just because it's the right thing to do", and don't actually reflect on their actions beyond that. There's a lot you can do with these traits!
For the "bad" character, which might seem a bit more tricky at first, the easiest way to figure out what the nuance of "bad" traits can be is to break down the why. Maybe this character became cunning because they've had to think long term a lot. They're good at waging the odds, they're good at reading the room, they're good at putting things together and seeing how the dominos will fall. Maybe they're even the person responsible for setting up the dominos, because they don't trust anyone else to make sure that there's a desirable outcome. If they're manipulative then it likely means that they're good at reading people, and they must know how to appeal to other people to some degree, otherwise they wouldn't really be able to manipulate anyone. They're likely used to having to look out for themselves, and they might even be good at spotting their own kind and knowing just when to avoid them. They don't care much for rules so they might not be as harsh in judging others, maybe they even have an easier time getting along with people who dare to defy social norms. Maybe they're even supportive of other people breaking the rules, because why the hell not?
Creating nuance
If you look at the two characters above, you'll quickly realise that they could hypothetical be the same character, because... They are. The "good" character is the "bad" character when they were younger. The "bad" character is the "good" character's future. An empathetic character can easily turn that empathy and their social skills into cunning manipulation. A character who previously felt stifled by the rules might choose to defy them. A character who got sick of caring how others perceive and judge them might choose to stop caring about what others think, and might even go out of their way to seem off-putting and un-approachable, because they refuse to ever allow themselves to care about others and be treated like a doormat again.
Or you can treat them as two separate characters that function as foils to one another. They both overlap in a lot of traits despite it not seeming so at first glance. My point is, I find that if you treat all traits as neutral, you don't really have to manually "add" flaws. Most traits have both upsides and downsides, and which side of those traits create conflict in the story is often what determines whether something is a flaw or not.
– Outro
Sorry for the lengthy and possibly rambly post, I just thought it might be advice worth sharing as it's something that really helped me flesh out my own characters more when I was still very new! Plus, as mentioned before, character creation and analysis is one of my favourite aspects of storytelling, and I'm also very passionate about psychology and philosophy and such. And again, this is all in good fun and 100% not a rule on how to write characters! There's exceptions to everything and everyone's process is different, and while this advice might be helpful to some, it might not be helpful whatsoever to others, and that's completely fine!
I'd love to make more posts on topics like this in the future if people enjoy it, or if anyone has any specific requests on anything! :,)
More Posts from Blogmarkostuff and Others
How the power of imagination can shape and redefine society
The key is to recognize that our imaginings must be in some way tethered to the world in order for them to be useful to us. When we let our imagination fly completely free, it can be of use to us, but only in the transcendent sense.
The power of imagination is not to be underestimated. As Albert Einstein accredited a plethora of his pioneering scientific work to his imagination, Martin Luther King’s dream allowed him to convey his idea of a better, more tolerable society. These changes are made possible when the imagination drifts into an alternate space, considering the world as it is currently in its entirety, while dreaming of an improved version of it.
Image: Hot Air Ballon by Cleverpix. CC0 Public Domain via Pixabay.
Fic Titles: Alphabet P-R
Take one and start to create!
P
Pain of my life
Panic at the Laundromat
Paper cuts
Paper hearts (easy to tear)
Past mistakes
Peer-pressured
People we met in supermarkets
People will talk (no matter what)
Perfect moment to forget
Perfect little angel
Perhaps someday
Pest control
Pillow talk
Pinky promises
Playing favourites
Pocket full of sorrow
Pour me a drink (or two or more)
Power of kisses
Praying to her body
Pressed flowers and love letters
Pretty little lies
Pride and Problems
Primal Instinct
Promises made, promises kept
Pushing boundaries
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
Q
Qualifications to kick ass
Qualified answers to unqualified questions
Quality content
Quantity over quality
Questionable taste
Questioning the status quo
Quarantine with the enemy
Quarrels over nothing
Quintessentially the two of us
Quiet nights together
Quite a spectacle
Quite the catch
Quick decisions
Quoting the classics
Queen of messing up
Queendom comes
Quests and how to avoid them
Quickening the appetite
Quivering (keep me warm)
Quivering with emotions
Questionnaire for a partner
Quitting unhealthy habits
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
R
Rain clouds over your head
Rain on our parade
Rainy days at the sea
Raw power
Ready for whatever
Real people, real problems
Reality check
Reality comes back for you
Rebellion in her blood
Religious experience
Reputation to uphold
Rescue’s on the way
Reunions (and how to avoid them)
Reunited with my love
Rights and wrongs
Rising to the top (where we belong)
Romance is not dead (yet)
Rose-tinted glasses
Rosy dreams
Royal pain in the ass
Ruby eyes
Ruin me (please)
Ruins of us
Rules of friends-with-benefits
Ruling over her kingdom
Find more titles: A-C|D-F|G-I|J-L|M-O|S-T|U-V|W-X|Y-Z + Numbers
>>All the Fic Titles.
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El Crucigrama
SEGUNDA ESCENA
La niña, mira como su mama lee todos las preguntas, y cuando mira hacia el otro lado, mira otra hoja suelta con otro crucigrama que dice:
Dia, después de ayer?
Código personal que se usa para abrir archivos?
Qué hay adentro de la envoltura (wrapping paper) de un regalo que el novio regaló, y lo puso en el trunk del carro, en INGLES y todo en minúsculas, una sola palabra y cinco letras?
Después la mama sigue leyendo, las otras instrucciones que están en la hoja.
Como se le llama al conjunto de lineas de conductas que se ponen en una escuela o en las casas por los padres para evitar conflictos?
100 dividido entre 2 =
Qué se hace para quitar el polvo de los objetos?
Cómo se le llama a la persona que participa en una sociedad junto a otra persona?
Cuál es la autoridad máxima y el tipo de autoridad que le otorga el Estado a un diplomático para ejecutar negocios en su nombre?
El tipo de autoridad que se establece sólo en una region específica es: regional, estatal, o nacional?
Cual es el señalamiento que se pone a una obra de remodelacion en las calles?
Los museos tienen fechas de apertura? Cuándo?
Las audiencias están en canales distintos, y las represas están listos para abrir la compuerta, que llevarán al río de su inauguración.
Look for Letter to the protagonist, and follow the instructions.
Las casas, tienen los aromas y los aires, de los dos que la construyen?
Remember the importance of the Now. It is your power place, the place of transformation. The past is gone. You only have Now to choose how you will be, who you will be, and that choice will create your tomorrows.
P'taah (via miraculousunderstanding)
Caregiving Ideas
feeling their forehead
taking their temperature
bandaging their wounds
putting ointment on their bruises
checking their blood pressure
fluffing up the pillow they're lying on
cooking them tea or food
holding a drink to their mouth
spoon feeding them
changing their clothes
brushing their teeth
giving them injections
reading to them
washing their hair
showering/washing their body
propping them up on the bed
stitching up their wounds
giving them their medicine
going to the doctor with them
sleeping next to their hospital bed
catching them when they're fainting
praising them when they've done good
steadying them when they get up or walk
cleaning them up from sweat, blood, vomit, pee, ...
tightly holding onto them when they're spiraling
singing/talking to them softly to make them fall asleep
holding the other one in their arms when they feel down
More prompts!
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5 Ways to Make Your Writing Sessions More Productive
1. Set specific goals: Before each writing session, establish clear objectives for what you want to accomplish. This helps you stay focused and motivated throughout the session. Whether it's completing a certain number of pages, reaching a specific word count, or finishing a particular section, having a goal in mind keeps you on track.
2. Create a conducive writing environment: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can minimize distractions. Eliminate clutter, turn off notifications on your electronic devices, and set up a writing area that inspires creativity. Some people find instrumental music or ambient sounds helpful for concentration, so experiment to find what works best for you.
3. Develop a routine: Establish a regular writing schedule and stick to it. Consistency builds momentum and makes writing sessions feel more like a habit. Whether you prefer to write early in the morning, late at night, or during specific time blocks throughout the day, find a routine that aligns with your energy levels and other commitments.
4. Use productivity techniques: Explore different productivity techniques to enhance your focus and efficiency. One popular method is the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for a concentrated period (e.g., 25 minutes) followed by a short break (e.g., 5 minutes). Repeat this cycle several times, and then take a longer break (e.g., 15-30 minutes). Other techniques include time blocking, task prioritization, and setting deadlines.
5. Minimize self-editing during the drafting phase: When writing your first draft, try to resist the urge to constantly edit and revise. Instead, focus on getting your ideas down on paper without judgment. This allows for a more continuous flow of thoughts and prevents self-censorship. Save the editing for later drafts, as separating the drafting and editing stages can lead to increased productivity and creativity.
Writing Affirmations, submitted by Camp NaNoWriMo participants. (Text reads: “I will not let fear, frustration, and perfectionism stifle me. I will show up at the page and try.” By NaNoWriMo user Crizma)
Hablando Se Entiende La Gente Video Oficial.
‘BUENO BUENO QUIEN HABLA’; Quizá el siglo XXI vaya a ser reconocido, como el siglo, donde las nuevas comunicaciones y los medios sociales sustituyeron al emisor, al hablante, al humano, a la persona, y entonces ya las personas no hablan, sino emiten mensajes pictóricos que suplantan a la palabra, o fotografías posteadas que avalan ideas, o esbozos de ideas en un post que insinúan conductas, o discursos de otros personajes, bajo seudónimos, alias, avatares, Poncios y Pílatos, barajas y cartas, pero el ser humano real es suprimido de la conversación real, porque no quiere asumir la responsabilidad de un discurso, no quiere asumir el “yo esto dije” como manera de ejercer responsable la libertad de expresión, y esconderse mejor, bajo los alias, bajo las cartas, sin recibir la responsabilidad del recibir aprobación o rechazo.
“BUENO BUENO QUIEN HABLA’ para recordarnos que es el sujeto, verbo y predicado de la oración, los elementos de toda palabra que intenta comunicar un mensaje. Y esto esta siempre presente en todos los lenguajes español, ingles, italiano, francés, porque el sujeto, quiere decir el que habla (no dibujos, no quotes, no pictografías, no palabras de otro) sino es el sujeto el que habla para determinar una acción “Juan corre en el campo” dice que es Juan, un nombre personal desarrolla una acción: pero si se pone una foto de un hombre corriendo en un campo, quien dijo que corre en el campo? La pictografia, o la fotografía no suplanta al sujeto!
Las nuevas tecnologias de comunicación están suplantando al SUJETO DE LA ORACION, y el SUJETO DE LA ORACION esta siendo suprimido por Alias, seudónimos, fake names, avatares, cartas y barajas, que traspasan mensajes de otros (no personales, con propia voz) con posts de otros, con ideas de otros y si la comunicación entre los seres humanos es a veces difícil de comprender, sera mas difícil de comprender con las CORTINAS DE HUMO y con personajes y avatares ficticios que comprometen, dificultan todavía mas, la buena comprensión del oyente, que es nuestro objetivo principal de toda comunicación seria.
“BUENO BUENO QUIEN HABLA’ para recordarnos que debe haber un sujeto real, que emite un mensaje real, avalado por una presencia real y cuyo mensaje dirige a otro ser humano en una disposición de entender, para comunicarse mejor.
Leadership
Leadership is a very exciting course because it has taught me to see the groups’ perspective, and how perfectly communicating ideas may influence people to achieve the goals of the group or company. As Maxwell stated, “the three components of this triangle are communication, recognition, and influence. You start to communicate effectively. This leads to recognition and recognition in turn to influence.”
Personally, I have always worked with groups and have agreed to work with them because it is necessary to go through the experience with them in order to win their heart and have a common ground that allows us to work together. At this point, I see two principles of Maxwell, the first one relates to the “Pareto Principle” which states, (referring to counseling) “20% of people take up to 80% of your time.” The second principle states, “The leader must develop trust with people” as Maxwell puts it. “The more people trust the leader, the more willing they will be to accept the leader’s proposal changes.”
In addition, working with groups is all about ideas. It is about achieving each goal in life, as a supporting cast, and not a staff position working for a personal benefit. In that regard, I agree with Maxwell when he states, “Am I building people, or am I building my dream and using people to do it?” Maxwell says it pretty clear, “Manipulation is moving together for my advantage, and Motivation is moving together for mutual advantage.”
Personally I like the Maxwell leadership style because it is positive, open, and democratic. The object of his leadership plan is to form an organization that believes in the benefit of every person in the group. Working with clear, defined, and objective rules in which we can all learn to work together for a better future within the company or society.
The Maxwell leadership style applies to my style of working with groups. Unconsciously, I have applied many of its concepts, not perfectly, but I have in some ways applied it to my style of work. I obviously have a lot to learn from Maxwell, but I believe I am striving to apply these concepts in my workplace, with coworkers, and in my family.
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Here you will find some of the things that I really like. I like writing, music, poems, and producing any idea that comes to my mind. I hope you like it!
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