Character weaknesses are different from flaws: use them well.

Readers are eager to root for the characters. When they manage to identify with a character after sharing thousands of words with them, their engagement with the book strengthens. But to achieve this effect, it is crucial that the characters are not devoid of weaknesses.

Many novice writers make the mistake of creating perfect characters, full of virtues and without flaws, thinking that readers are only interested in ideal characters. This is a misunderstanding. A "perfect" character who never makes mistakes and always does the right thing is known as a "Mary Sue" in the world of writing. These characterizations are not only boring but also predictable. Without weaknesses, characters lack depth and fail to connect with readers.

Introducing character weaknesses makes them more realistic and provides opportunities for character development. This growth is what readers love to see. However, you shouldn't simply assign weaknesses to your characters randomly. These weaknesses must have meaning within the plot.

What are character weaknesses?

Character weaknesses are traits, characteristics, or areas where your character is disadvantaged. Typically, these weaknesses are crucial elements that characters confront throughout the story and must overcome to grow in their narrative arc.

Here are some examples of character weaknesses:

• Excessive trust in the good intentions of others
• Tendency to project one's insecurities onto others
• Difficulty in dealing with authority
• Resistance to listening to authority's advice
• Tendency to blindly believe people
• Weakness for attractive physical appearance
• Fear of the sound of gunfire
• Inability to swim or a fear of water

These are effective examples of character weaknesses because they create disadvantaged situations for the protagonist when facing situations related to these weaknesses.

Character Weakness vs. Character Flaw

Although often used interchangeably, character weaknesses and character flaws are distinct concepts that affect the story in different ways. A weakness affects the character from an external perspective, while a flaw is intrinsic to the character's personality.

Character weaknesses refer to external traits or aspects that create disadvantages. For example, a character who is afraid of water will be in difficulty when faced with situations involving water.

Character flaws, on the other hand, relate to imperfections or internal weaknesses in the character's personality or behavior. For example, a selfish character who struggles to work in a team has a character flaw.

Often, these two dimensions interact with each other. For instance, a character's character flaw can lead to a weakness. If a character is selfish, it may be difficult for them to collaborate with others, representing a weakness. This interaction can provide additional opportunities to develop the plot.

The Effect of Character Weaknesses on the Story

Characters play a crucial role in your story. They are often the lens through which readers observe the narrative world, and the weaknesses you assign to them will influence not only the readers' perception but also the development of the plot itself.

Here's how character weaknesses influence the story:

1. Drive conflict: Weaknesses often generate internal or external conflicts. For example, a character's fear of commitment can cause tensions in a romantic relationship, contributing to a significant turning point in the plot.
2. Facilitate growth and change: Overcoming weaknesses represents a powerful source of character development. As characters confront and conquer their vulnerabilities, they grow, learn, and evolve. This process shapes the character arcs and influences the story's climax.
3. Create tension and suspense: Weaknesses can introduce uncertainty and suspense into the plot. For example, if a character struggles with addiction, readers may wonder if they will give in at a critical moment, heightening narrative tension.
4. Increase relatability: Readers relate more to characters who struggle with their weaknesses, as they appear more authentic and compelling. This identification creates a deeper emotional bond and provides hope to readers as they witness characters overcome obstacles and grow.
5. Add depth and realism: Characters without weaknesses may seem two-dimensional. Introducing weaknesses makes them more complex and human, enriching the story's depth.
6. Influence choices and actions: Weaknesses affect the characters' decisions and actions. They may make choices based on their fears, insecurities, or past traumas, guiding the plot in specific directions.
7. Create sympathy and empathy: Character weaknesses can evoke feelings of compassion in readers. A character battling an addiction, for example, can make readers empathize with them.
8. Raise the stakes and consequences: Weaknesses add suspense to the story. For instance, a character's fear of heights will make a climactic scene on a high ledge even more intense. Moreover, the character will have to overcome this fear to achieve their goals, contributing to the narrative arc.
9. Offer redemption opportunities: Characters with weaknesses often face moments of reckoning and redemption. Overcoming these weaknesses creates powerful and emotionally resonant moments in the story.
10. Drive subplots: Weaknesses can lead to the development of subplots. For example, a character's insecurity might drive them to pursue a personal goal, generating a subplot focused on these challenges.
11. Highlight relationships: Weaknesses influence how characters interact with each other. They often seek support from others, contributing to the development of deeper relationships.
12. Define tone and mood: Weaknesses affect the story's tone. For example, a character dealing with depression can create a darker atmosphere, influencing how they narrate their thoughts and experiences.
13. Create irony and foreshadowing: Character weaknesses can lead to moments of irony or foreshadowing. An unresolved weakness in a character may foreshadow future conflicts or plot twists, engaging readers in anticipation.

How to Develop Your Characters' Weaknesses

To effectively develop your characters' weaknesses, follow these steps:

1. Connect character and plot from the start

Instead of developing the character separately from the plot, think about both simultaneously. Consider what kind of character would be interesting, conflicted, and engaging for the plot you have in mind. This way, you can create characters that fit the challenges and developments of the story.

2. Reflect on plot-related weaknesses

Consider which elements of the plot would hinder your character's success. These challenges may vary depending on the genre and tone of the story. For example, if you're writing a spy story, you might think about how trust and paranoia could be potential weaknesses for your character.

3. Identify the character's core beliefs

The character's core beliefs influence their actions and decisions. Identify at least three core beliefs of your main character and look for the negative aspects or harmful consequences of these beliefs. These negative aspects could become the character's weaknesses that influence the plot.

4. Modify and refine

Character development is an evolving process. You may need to modify and refine your characters' weaknesses as the story unfolds. Always keep in mind the interaction between the plot and the characters and look for opportunities to deepen and leverage weaknesses to create an engaging narrative.

Remember that character development is a personal process and may vary from one writer to another. There is no one right path, but these suggestions can help you create memorable characters with meaningful weaknesses.