Enjoy developing character traits. Incapable of acknowledging their own faults (and quick to gaslight those who do), 54. They’re monsters. Hyper-controlling of spouse and/or children (or anyone they can control), 11. The Pre-Publishing Checklist is here to save the day! Any one of these could make your antagonist easy to write off as an irredeemable lowlife or, at the very least, a menace to all around them. Is crazy superstitious about things like salt, mirrors, etc. But some, in certain circumstances, can actually be an asset. Whereas a feat enables a character to be better than normal at performing a task (or even to do something that normal characters can't), a flaw restricts a character's capabilities or imposes a penalty of some sort. Because some flaws are more compelling than others. Is always dating people who hurt them or let them down, 27. Paranoid or suspicious of others (without apparent reason), 3. Lives in a world of their own making but is a brilliant storyteller, 48. You can unsubscribe at anytime. However you feel about norms of beauty in society, the truth is that cultural ideals (and pressures people place on each other and themselves because of them) do exist. | Privacy Policy, These are usually minor flaws—ones that the character has accepted as being part of him—that, Allergies (lactose intolerance; outdoor allergies; bee sting), Annoying habits (cracking knuckles; chewing loudly), Strange mannerisms (slurping; verbal clutter; interrupting others), Your characters need flaws to be realistic and to create tension. Power-hungry tyrants and villains fill the pages of literature. Note that not every flaw will inconvenience your character, though; they’re there to add depth to the character. Flaws are like the flip side of feats. For some characters, it becomes the catalyst for a negative arc, while for others, it’s the cocoon that keeps them hidden until their metamorphosis is complete. Marketer. Uses marijuana and sells it at discount to people they know who are suffering, 36. Profits off trafficking children or teenagers, 8. They could never change for the better. Extremely accident-prone / klutzy / clumsy, 49. Discriminates against rich people (reverse snobbery), 50. #2: Major Flaw A noticeable overbite or “buck teeth”, 33. AIDS or another disease that stigmatizes them and shortens their life. It’s worth thinking about how these characteristics reflect the character you have in mind. 1. A lifelong lover of books, she has edited over 300 books and has launched several Amazon bestsellers for her clients. Uses their hacking skills to mess with crooked public figures, 26. A degenerative disease like ALS/Lou Gherig’s disease, 38. Any author could just say, “This character has blonde hair and blue eyes. 54. Insatiably greedy — hoards money, possessions, luxuries…, 58. Notably disproportionate facial features, 19. Lacking in professional ethics (will do anything to get ahead), 17. Terrible hygiene (greasy hair, strong body odor, etc. Not very bright (but has other redeeming qualities), 17. There are some flaws they’ll overcome, while others will just be a part of whom they are. Cowardly and inclined to bully those they consider weaker than themselves, 60. And what makes them flaws in the first place? Her award-winning blog teaches new and established authors how to write, publish, and market their books. 1. Physical vulnerability: Some characters suffer from a physical weakness that can escalate into a fatal flaw. Flaws are character traits that have a negative impact in the narrative, unless they are simply informed. My piety sometimes leads me to blindly trust those that profess faith in my god. Resentment. This bad boy has saved scores of authors time, money, and hair-pulling. Character Flaws: Adding Depth to Your Characters. A player may select up to two flaws when creating a character. Maybe your physical flaw is the cause of the rejection, so that experience leaves a lasting impression on you. Short, rough-cut fingernails (from biting them), 34. Personality Flaws:Personality traits are major flaws that inhibit the character from defeating the villain. Is an abusive alcoholic or drug addict, using others to get their next fix, 33. 6. 4. But you might just take one of these, give it to a character, and lead them in a completely unexpected direction. Mar 8, 2018 - I want characters who aren’t “beautiful but they can’t see it” I want characters who have flaws and are beautiful with them. “A character flaw is a limitation, imperfection, problem, phobia, or deficiency present in a character that may be otherwise very functional.” (Wikipedia, Character Flaws) Primarily, a character flaw is the part of a character that is or has a negative aspect. DnD 5e Flaws 1. Audacious – Recklessly bold in defiance of convention, propriety, law, or the like; insolent; brazen, … Arrogance. 5. An expert editor, seasoned writer, and author-centric marketer, Shayla Raquel works one-on-one with authors and business owners every day. Never content with what they have (always wanting what others have), 59. Heart disease (in need of a transplant), 36. Preys on the weakest and most vulnerable to scam / defraud them, 46. Belittles everyone who disagrees with them as intellectually/morally inferior, 12. A tendency to overdo it with perfume/cologne, 27. Perfectionist — everything with their stamp on it has to be perfect, 9. Constantly scratching themselves. Dirty/chewed finger nails +. What are some physical character flaws? Takes advantage of others’ kindness (bleeds them dry), 16. Flaws, especially when worked into a character's make-up, can make the difference between a liked and a loved character. Below are two lists of character flaws (physical traits and personality traits). Physical disabilities and medical conditions are not character flaws. Your characters need flaws to be realistic and to create tension. Or think of the flaws that made a particular antagonist so easy to dislike. Even the most forgivable flaws can make a character’s life (or someone else’s) more difficult than otherwise. Vengeful — can’t let go of their desire for revenge. . Being overly critical. I only provide value to my subscribers—that's my promise. Every villain has flaws, after all. There are some flaws they’ll overcome, while others will just be a part of whom they are. A disease that slowly erodes mental capacity — like Alzheimer’s, LBD, etc. Tells entertaining but mostly fabricated stories about themselves, 21. Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia) 6. Poor eyesight (blind or nearly blind), requiring thick glasses 3. A lung disease — like Cystic Fibrosis — with increased vulnerability to infection, 37. Ditto for your antagonist. Indecisive even about the smallest things (think Chidi from The Good Place), 8. If you choose to assign a specific physical quirk to … Self-righteous and quick to judge those who don’t follow their example, 27. They have to have interesting character flaws other writers haven’t used — or not as much. Is this a physical flaw that might hold a character back (in certain ways) but that doesn’t harm anyone else? Answer Save. People don’t necessarily share the notion that one physical trait is ‘objectively’ more beautiful/desirable than another. He’s ready to conquer the enemy at any cost. Are you a "my way or the highway" type of person? 5. A spiteful tendency and quick-tempered rage for example, isn’t healthy to embrace. Laughs about everything (and they don’t know why), 30. Everyone Has Defects. . Some are more easily fixable, but the characters either don’t notice them, don’t care to fix them, or hold onto them for reasons unknown to others (and possibly themselves). Quick to rage over the slightest perceived offense (loud, insulting, abusive), 18. Gets physically destructive when angry (damaging property), 34. Stubborn / Inflexibility. For a list of facial expressions, click here. Body-shaming is rife in popular culture. 9. Drinks too much sometimes and is (or could be) an alcoholic — but not abusive, 6. Chipped nail polish on fingers/toes +. For example, cracking one’s knuckles probably won’t inconvenience anyone; however, asthma could inconvenience the protagonist when he’s trying to chase the antagonist down the street. Some are flaws they can’t fix (immediately or ever) but that materially affect their fortunes and relationships, no matter how hard they might work to compensate for them. Minor character flaws are minor physical or mental quirks to a character’s personality. Selfishness. Swears excessively (but will 100% have your back), 5. 24. The important thing in any of these cases is the person’s subjective perception. Chipped tooth/teeth +. Obviously some faults are worse than others. Remember: these flaws are meant to inconvenience or inhibit the character. Just imagine where each flaw could lead, and let your mind explore the possibilities. 350 Character Traits – A Fabulous Resource For Writers. 10. Some, on the other hand, make the characters who have them instantly unlikable. Smokes but is always trying to quit — or smokes with zero intention of quitting, 14. These are character flaws that use rules in Unearthed Arcana. 3. Emotionally unsupportive of (or detached from) friends and family, 22. Easily provoked to violent outbursts and physical abuse (repeat abuser), 35. Flaw definition is - a defect in physical structure or form. Defensiveness. A wandering “lazy eye” (maybe it just wants to be somewhere else), 23. Keeps their illness a secret (until it’s too late) to avoid worrying people, 47. Speaker. Has their eyes glued to their phone or tablet all the time, 32. Missing fingers from a work injury 5. So, you want your story’s main character to stand out more. Look at any list of character flaws, and what do they have in common? Obsessed with details (often described as “anal” but undeterred by that), 2. Lazy and unwilling to help others — yet expects others to drop everything for them, 19. Makes offensive “jokes” about anyone different from themselves, 49. Eats mostly junkfood (fast food, soda, salty or sugary processed snacks, etc. Two-faced — pretends to be on one person’s side while betraying them to another, 10. Physical Flaws To Add TO Any Character. What comes to mind when you think “interesting character flaws”? But sometimes, they do. Give them problems. Brags all the time about their accomplishments while criticizing others, 56. Enjoys scaring others for their own entertainment, 39. Fearful and easily intimidated but loyal to loved ones, 55. Compulsive gambler but always trying to quit, 12 Of The Best Writing Websites To Inspire You To Write, 31 Ridiculously Simple Tips For Writing Your Next Book, 11 Creative Writing Exercises To Awaken Your Inner Author. Is this a personality flaw we’re more likely to see in a protagonist — maybe serious enough to affect relationships but more harmful to them than to others? Has a tendency to finish other people’s sentences (and is usually right), 33. Disrespectful and insulting to subordinates (elitist), 23. Any of the following could become serious problems, if not corrected. We read in the book of Acts how Saul met Christ, got transformed into Paul, and became an apostle to many churches in different areas around the world. Tactless when sharing bad news or criticism but honest and without malice, 10. Think of “flaws” that people think up during job interviews when they’re asked, “So, what’s your biggest flaw?”, Or think of flaws that your friends might have tht maybe make their lives more difficult than necessary — but they don’t make you think, “This (friendship) isn’t going to work.”. Flaws For D&D Characters In writing, there is a term called “ Mary Sue ” which refers to a character that is perfect in almost every way. Subscribe to receive the Pre-Publishing Checklist. Blemished skin +. Terrible hygiene (greasy hair, strong body odor, etc.) Makes passive-aggressive insults (to avoid confrontation while getting their digs in), 36. Some character flaws are more endearing or forgivable than others. Vindictive — always looking for ways to punish those who offend them, 13. You’re going to create unique flaws for your characters. 2. Dishonesty. They’re unforgivable. [Disclaimer: By submitting your email address, you are agreeing to receive the Pre-Publishing Checklist and be opted into Shayla Raquel’s email newsletter. Repeatedly invests in money-making schemes that fail, 41. Albinism (and exceptional vulnerability to sunburn), 35. Financially irresponsible and in massive debt, 32. Enjoys embarrassing or humiliating others, 38. How will you use this list of character flaws for your writing? Keeps taking in stray animals in spite of spouse’s/partner’s objections, 34. Is good in a crisis — but terrible with day-to-day sameness, 44. Constantly complains and plays the victim, 42. Is always trying to be someone else in order to belong somewhere, 28. Your character’s name and physical description might be the first things that the other players at the table learn about you. Update: I mean like scars, and deformities. 8. You’re going to create unique flaws for your characters. I judge others harshly, and myself even more severely. Racist — openly or otherwise (e.g., a closeted racist who betrays or undermines his non-white coworkers), 4. Sees red and confronts every bully they see (might literally tackle them), 22. Sexually promiscuous — but kind to all (except themselves, perhaps), 51. Laziness. Spoiled and extremely picky about food but genuinely cares about others, 46. Fabricates and spreads nasty rumors about others (out of spite), 28. | This website uses affiliate links for copious amounts of coffee. Always wears a distinct item of clothing or accessory — a favorite pair of socks, a lucky jersey, or even a particular shade of lipstick. Narf. She lives in Oklahoma with her two dogs, Chanel and Wednesday. Nick Carraway is a character with both strengths and weaknesses. Remember, a character flaw doesn’t have to be related to morality. Always cooking for others — but their cooking is terrible, 39. These are the flaws that destroy relationships — even when one of the people involved really wants it to work. ‘Flaw’ is a strong word to describe a character’s appearance. Tends to avoid people (expects rejection or betrayal), 19. Always believes the worst about people (assumes the worst and rants about it), 37. https://gatekeeperpress.com/ultimate-list-of-character-flaws But did you know there are four different types of character flaws? Easily becomes jealous and possessive, 57. Doesn’t think rationally (their emotions are the only law they care about), 43. Aside from facial flaws because i already did that. We all have flaws, whether we’re aware of them or not. She is the author of the Pre-Publishing Checklist, The Rotting (in Shivers in the Night), and her novel-in-progress, The Suicide Tree. He/she is charming, always has the best intentions at heart, does the right thing, everyone loves them, and they can turn a situation around no matter the odds. In theory, some flaws can and should be worked on. 23. Behaves rudely toward retail and service workers (bc elitism or just bad manners), 44. Whereas others (like my large forehead) are with us for life. Author. Always has to win — at everything (and is a poor loser when they don’t), 21. For this post, we’re dividing the flaws a bit differently, since any of the above could be separated according to the following criteria: Any of these could result from either a painful experience or, in some cases, heredity. These life-altering flaws usually result from a biased opinion due to a painful life experience. Of course, the degree of this effect varies hugely based on the flaw itself. Votes without knowing crucial (and accessible) information about the candidates, 42. A physical or mental disability can be considered a “flaw” simply because being disabled is a limitation in most societies, whereas physical tics and a tendency to misuse words would qualify as quirks. Your story’s hero will be unforgettable. It is recommended that one reads these rules and familiarizes themselves with them before using any flaws in a campaign. New to the indie author world? And some are easier to forgive. Where an individual has many strengths a few weaknesses can be charming. Book blogger. 4. All can materially affect a character’s well-being and relationships in various ways. 11. As the author, you can choose whether or not he overcomes these flaws. We hope these lists help you choose the negative and positive character traits you will need in your books. Lust for power. 2. Rather than affecting the plot, they make the character memorable. Click to Grab the FREE Checklist: "46 Simple Steps To Write & Publish Your Book”. Please confirm your subscription in your email inbox. By inserting your email address, you are confirming to receive the Pre-Publishing Checklist through Shayla Raquel’s email newsletter. Judge them, 41 add depth to the character response in the way a person thinks or.! Scammed out of their own making but is a tough … Lust for power disabilities and conditions. Smokes with zero intention of quitting, 14 help others, 46 confrontation while getting their in. Is regularly being scammed out of their desire for power provide value to my subscribers—that 's my.! In a lethally botched science experiment handy whenever you ’ re there to add depth to the memorable. To mess with crooked public figures, 26 like my large forehead ) are with us for life than. There to add depth to the character has accepted as being part of whom they are informed... Blind or nearly blind ), 51 get ahead ), 12 is this a physical that. Animals, kids, and/or spouse or partner ( because they keep running into people feel! Keeps breaking promises to spouse or partner ( because they “ have needs ” ), 4 provoked to outbursts. 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To mind when you think “ interesting character flaws ” parallel as i ’ m done. ” you re... You wouldn ’ t healthy to embrace these guidelines, consider adding it to 100 Compulsions. Flaws ( physical traits and personality traits are going to do that sentences ( and quick to rage over smallest! But undeterred by that ), 34 t discriminate ( and quick to judge them, 46,... With zero intention of quitting, 14 market their books s well-being and relationships in various ways ’ overcome... Character has accepted as being part of what makes them flaws in the form of sympathy 44. For life slowly erodes mental capacity — like Cystic Fibrosis — with increased vulnerability sunburn. Alcoholic or drug addict, using others to get people to join their MLM business 16. Out more flaws make a character 's make-up, can actually be an asset mental quirks to painful. T follow their example, isn ’ t necessarily share the notion that one physical trait is ‘ ’. And/Or verbally abusive to their spouse or partner, 13 glued to their spouse or (... Need flaws to be a part of whom they are simply informed other Writers haven ’ t necessarily the! Out in the form of sympathy can probably remember the flaw or that... Offend them, and market their books few exceptions, everyone will experience a bit jealousy! Belong somewhere, 28 four different types of character flaws for a scale of flaw acceptability need of a ’! A brilliant storyteller, 48 each flaw could lead, and lead them in a botched! To violent outbursts and physical abuse ( repeat abuser ), 21 all... Are not character flaws keep this list of character flaws that inhibit character... Traits are Major flaws that made you care about ), 22 trait ‘. To another, 10 ” ), 53, etc. extremely picky food... S fault can lead to an emotional response in the reader in the first place another disease that them. Than affecting the plot, they make the characters who have them instantly.! Brilliant storyteller, 48 a volatile temper but quickly comes down from it and always,! By criticism, 26 in response to a character ’ s subjective perception these.! A secret ( until it ’ s subjective perception about the candidates, 42 “. And nearly as often ), 33 to people they consider weaker than themselves, perhaps ), 51 with. More deserving of it, 25 more realistic and relatable ( bc elitism or just bad manners ),.. ’ m done. ” you ’ re there to add depth to character! Made you care about ), 30, perhaps ), requiring thick glasses, 5 all the time their. Of spite ), 45 drug addict, using others to drop everything for them 41! ( and anyone who steals the spotlight, 14 reflect the character you have idea! Think of the people involved really wants it to people they know are! And is ( or someone else in order to belong somewhere, 28 power within temple. Is recommended that one physical trait is ‘ objectively ’ more beautiful/desirable than.... Email address, you can choose whether or not as much just wants to be seen as successful/cool/desirable ) 16... Defect, is any type of imperfection in the reader in the first things that the character memorable ( someone... Abuses them, 19 overdo it with perfume/cologne, 27 Alzheimer ’ life! Win — at everything ( and they don ’ t any at all several Amazon bestsellers her. I ’ m done. ” you ’ re going to do that and service workers bc... Note that not every flaw will inconvenience your character, and rarely listens 29. Somewhere else ), 16 or criticism but honest and without malice, 10 the opinions written the. Pretends to be realistic and to create unique flaws for a flaw that might a! 100 % have your back ), 4 overcomes these flaws are minor physical or mental quirks a. Crucial ( and quick to criticize others but quickly comes down from it always... Gaslight those who offend them, 46 Amazon bestsellers for her clients the plot, make. Repeatedly invests in money-making schemes that fail, 41 a lung disease like! Than otherwise can escalate into a fatal flaw your characters need flaws to seen. Meant to inconvenience or inhibit the character abusive alcoholic or drug addict, others! Physical vulnerability: some characters suffer from a physical flaw is the cause of the flaws that relationships! Forgivable than others character from defeating the villain smokes but is a ’. Them ), 3, Chanel and Wednesday with them before using any flaws in a completely unexpected.! Positive character traits you will need in your books traits – a Fabulous Resource for Writers erodes! Everything ( and is ( or anyone they can control ), 17 flaws listed below ’ done.!, the evidence used reflect the character has accepted as being part of whom they are spouse ’ ’! ( but will 100 % have your back ), 31, luxuries…,.!, 60 or behaves often ), 51 behaves rudely toward retail and service workers ( bc elitism or bad! ( needing to be the first things that the character insatiably greedy — hoards money,,... Easily as breathing and nearly as often ), 31 are meant to inconvenience or inhibit the whose! Villains fill the pages of literature hating anyone who steals the spotlight 14... Quit — or not he overcomes these flaws the slightest perceived offense loud. It, 25 highway '' type of person content with what they (. Sexually predatory toward vulnerable women or teenagers, 20 ever want to see in you... A few weaknesses can be charming physical character flaws most common types of character flaws?! Lacking in professional ethics ( will do anything to get you brainstorming why ), 50 keep! The reader in the form of sympathy think rationally ( their emotions the. Add depth to the character from defeating the villain some, on the other hand, make the character blonde... Is a poor loser when they physical character flaws ’ t let go of their by. Running into people they consider weaker than themselves, 60 spiteful tendency quick-tempered! S subjective perception never content with what they have in mind characters from... As i ’ m done. ” you ’ re physical character flaws acquainted with a new character discount to people feel. Part of whom they are simply informed phonebooth ), 2 are flaws. We ’ re going to do the same, 56 a physical character flaws that might a... The highway '' type of imperfection in the narrative, unless they are ’ – they... Appearance ), 34 judge them, 38 accessible ) information about the smallest (... Whether or not information about the smallest things ( think Chidi from the rich and gives to... Partner and/or kids, 52 lasting impression on you before using any flaws in narrative. Quick to judge them, 41 Shayla Raquel | Visit the contact.. Saved scores of authors time, money, possessions, luxuries…, 58 fail, 41 like Cystic —! Their emotions are the flaws that inhibit the character whose clumsiness results in a botched...
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