Flaw
Characters
A flaw is not the character's fault, but it is something they have to deal withFlaws are probably the one thing that is found in every creature. In storytelling, it is what keeps your protagonist from achieving their goals
It helps expand on a character - be it through why they have such flaw, what are their thoughts on it and how others treat them for it are some ways to explore this condition
What is a Flaw?
A flaw is something that limits the character in the "Ordinary World" of the Hero's Journey. This flaw is something they will have to overcome in the course of the story. Unless, of course, it's a tragedy. Flaws and fears in the beginning of the story foreshadow and contribute to the middle's crisis. The protagonist's fears, flaws and strengths make them believable and represent challenges they must overcome in order to transform.The progression of the character's internal flaw or character emotional development plot revolves around external action...The protagonist's internal conflict or fatal flaw reveals what they need to achieve internally in order to reach the goal of the primary plot. The resolution of the primary plot is dependent upon the resolution of the internal subplot
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You begin a story with a character in possession of a flaw, a fault, a hang-up, or a prejudice. You give them the rest of a story to get over their weaknesses. A comparison of the character from the beginning with the one at the end shows whether they fail to overcome their flaw or succeeds at getting over their hang-up
- Reckless
- Coward
- Over-confident
- Paralyzed by fear
- Stubborn
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Extra excercisesExtra excercises:
- Determine the causes for Aang's flaw, and how he overcame them
- If you have characters of your own, determine their flaws and the circumstances that made them like so
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Interesting read with some great examples. Keep up the good work!
Thanks a lot!