5 Easy Ways to Make Your Characters More FLAWED and LOVABLE

[@redshot5403]

2:33 #1 Give them a Misbelief Fear 5:53 #2 let their negative traits trip them up 9:57 #3 give them a secret nobody else knows 12:33 #4 allow them to rely on others in moments of crisis 16:54 #5 give them an outlet of compassion

[@ThomasPBuehner]

Redshot, you took the words out of my mouth. ;) Thanks for this!

[@amaliafrunza7284]

I believe that, for a good character creation, you can also use Johari's Window, with its 4 spaces: 1. Free zone- everybody knows 2. Blind zone- I don't know, the others know 3. Personal zone- I know, the others don't know 4. Unknown zone- nobody knows

[@newsamo1579]

That's really good, thanks

[@GRASSLAND1226]

You must have read my mind because I was struggling to give one of my protagonists a loveable flaw yesterday. This helped so much, and now I'm very happy with my character.

[@Pancakerman3]

SAME OMG

[@Pancakerman3]

What's Ur book ABT?

[@lisadavis9535]

One of my favorites is when the "cover" does not match the contents of the "book". An example would be a tough, tattooed, hard-living, hard-drinking biker who picks up and cuddles a kitten. It helps me understand how wrong my own stereotypes of people can be. It causes me to be introspective and helps me to learn and grow. Other examples are the evil person who is beautiful or handsome or the really good person who is ugly and how the world either defers to them or discounts, bullies, or destroys them.

[@WhiteFangofWar]

The 'gentle giant' is one of my favorite character archetypes.

[@myvividreams4071]

I agree! I like characters who can hold dichotomies within them. You gave wonderful examples, but I have to say one of my favorites is the sunshine optimist with dark impulses. Or a dark past, but that's more common. Or someone who acts like an idiot/stereotypically dumb but is actually very competent at something. I love it when authors and their characters play with breaking both stereotypes and expectations around characters AND their relationships with each other.

[@chalonhutson]

I’m on the phone with Disney about this since so many movies unflawed character lately!

[@valerielinares2068]

@6:44 - I would like to suggest that being too much of a perfectionist is a realistic trait. Having too much of a good trait can be a bad thing. For example, being too much of a perfectionist can cause people to not want to achieve their goals or accomplish tasks because they're stunted by their fear that no matter what they do, it won't be good enough. If someone is too much of a hard-worker, it can keep them from a healthy work-life balance and their relationships with others in their lives can seriously suffer. Maybe they're too honest, and they end up hurting those they care about most. Too much of a good trait can definitely be a bad thing.

[@rachelledellavecchia4951]

I so can relate to that. I've often been told I'm lazy or have no stickablity at tasks because I strive for perfection, but the outcomes never reach what I think it should in my own mind. Then I never start or procrastinate at tasks and loose joy in doing things. So glad I'm learning to let go, but I definitely think its a flaw and a strength.

[@jackapps2126]

Not always. If such a person doesn’t have any fears then the person is unstoppable. All the person needs is time, time to progress and become better and better at what he/she decides to do.

[@rhens8088]

she's not saying that its not realistic. she is saying that it become unrealistic when its the only bad trait. like being too perfect and always wanting things to be perfect cant be your only bad trait.

[@Green-3c34y65vrbu]

something I love is starting a character with a flaw, and then as the story goes on, making it get worse and worse thanks to a series of the worst possible events, until they hit the lowest low, inwhich they then have to make the choice of if they'll be able to climb their way back up to become better, and ultimately better than they were at the BEGINNING of the story, or if they've give up and sink into their own hell, and become the worst possible version of themself. both of these are my favourite ways to write arcs using flaws.

[@kylegovender6211]

My favorite flaw,right now anyway They they think they are right and coolest thing ever and then learn they were medicore the hard way

[@lisadavis9535]

Rough lesson, learning to be humble.

[@Sarandib22]

The entire plot of 'Emma' by Jane Austen. 🤣

[@JusteenCurtis]

Ha,ha, So true!

[@kylegovender6211]

@@Sarandib22 if it works It works

[@SlipsunLightOfHeaven]

Oh, that's a good one. I like it >:)

[@justapseudonym7]

I just finished a series with a "chosen one" protagonist and I absolutely loved his personality. He desired good and truth and was afraid of failing the people he loved but he was SO stubborn lol. I've never seen stubbornness used so well as a flaw.

[@MsAmeriCanadian]

What series was this?

[@LiteratureLindsi]

Great video!!! I especially love tip #4; I feel like as a community, we're finally moving past the idea that the protagonist needs to be fully capable and do everything on their own; and, as a result, we're seeing more likeable heroes and more developed side characters!! It's definitely important for authors aiming for a more realistic story to craft characters that need help from outside sources beyond the typical sage-advice training arc.

[@lisadavis9535]

And the villains can't be evil just for the sake of being evil. Something affected them to make their beliefs sociopathic.

[@SlipsunLightOfHeaven]

My plan is for my MC to THINK he has to do everything on his own, that he can't accept help, but that causes so many problems, and in the end he learns to rely on others. (\^u^/)

[@ariannasstudio8765]

Flawed and lovable most definitely go hand in hand! Especially if ur characters have strengths to balance out their weaknesses

[@unicorntomboy9736]

What about intentionally making your protagonist progressively less likable, especially for a negative character arc

[@ariannasstudio8765]

I LOVE that idea

[@unicorntomboy9736]

@@ariannasstudio8765 For my YA dark fantasy novel, my protagonist's (a pre-teen princess) biggest fatal flaw is insecurity, and desire for external validation from others, doing anything for it, including from less savory individuals. This fatal flaw evolves into more overtly sinister behaviours and traits as a young adult, when under the influence of a menevolent, sentient magical sword

[@WhiteFangofWar]

@@unicorntomboy9736 That can work, where a character is unable to overcome their flaw and it slowly consumes them, driving them away from the rest of the cast and possibly turning them into an antagonist.

[@unicorntomboy9736]

@@WhiteFangofWar My protagonist is meant to be a female Anakin Skywalker, with similar characterization and personality traits

[@VideoGameRoom32]

This video is so helpful. My characters have good traits and bad traits. And when the character has bad traits, I make this person grow and make become a better person.

[@stephaniemaier11]

A great example of a Villian with layers and internal conflict is “Locki,” who began a a secondary character in a greater superhero film and then became the main character in his own series that revealed his soft side.

[@JusteenCurtis]

I love the character Loki!!! I’ve watched most of the episodes including season two, but I haven’t finished it all yet😢

[@rainbowstarfall]

Seeing Loki's ego crushed when he learns how insignificant he is in a big universe and then how he builds himself back up in the series is so satisfying.

[@boredwibilly]

Love all of this! That last tip, giving a compassion outlet, reminds me of Tony Soprano. He's a self-centered criminal mobster, whose family and associates drive him crazy, but he has a soft spot for animals.

[@chalonhutson]

Perfect time for this to drop! Headed to my lunch break, so I'll give it a listen right now!

[@nicholas2827]

Well done! One of the sites I work has a gym, cafe and coffee house within a literal stone throw. Great way to get your blood and then creativity flowing.

[@sanecatlady]

I've noticed one of the easiest ways for someone to make me care about their character is to show their character struggling with something (internal conflict) and attempting to overcome that struggle, or cope with it if there are no simple solutions. And the way they go about trying to solve or cope with their problem reflects their internal turmoil

[@JusteenCurtis]

A person can be really stubborn or rebellious but as long as you show they are effected by something, that something does get to them, it shows that there’s something underneath the surface that shows that they do have another side to them beyond the exterior toughness. it makes them more likable and in at least some way we can relate to them.

[@elizabeths.3634]

This was a great video with valuable insight. Oddly enough, I think I did most of these when I wrote a fan fic where I turned a despicable side cannon character into a decent human being. He had the disbelieves (the government is extremely corrupt, enemie's enemy is my friend) which was at the route of everything he did wrong in cannon. The reality is some of the government is corrupt and the alternative he serves is far worse. He does have a secret that could get him killed is revealed to the wrong person. The character does trust someone that helped him through a crisis and yeah, I gave him a few outlets of compassion.

[@DozerfleetProd]

The most common one I tend to use: trauma-induced loss of self-esteem. Self-doubt. The men usually handle it by either trying to start a revolution (because there's usually a tyrant who's got it coming,) or by trying to retreat from society. The women will sometimes do this too, or they'll sometimes resort to risky sexual behavior as an unhealthy way to cope with whatever Hell on Earth they find themselves in. It usually doesn't take long to find a man who feels similarly beat-down, who relates to how she feels fully. Then there's the guy who choses to embark on some crazy sort of crusade, because he is desperate to be known for something other than his family's shameful legacy. Or the guy who lost everything, and is desperate for redemption to the point he misses really obvious things about the present due to preoccupation with correcting the past. I'm guessing the most common thread is that none of them can tolerate failure.

[@Awkward_Baby]

I want to make a book to spread awareness of bullying and the terrible outcomes from it. For context, I heard of Aubreigh Wyatt, search her up, and no family should have to go through that pain. Because of this, I’ve decided that the book I’m starting will be used to spread awareness of what can happen.

[@kasiako355]

Go for it! Good luck and have lots of fun on the journey of writing💖😊

[@JusteenCurtis]

May your story make a powerful impact on this world!!🌎

[@TheEmoMixAndMatchToy]

I am sort of doing the same thing. Mine is about an abusive and horrible job and how it is affecting all the employees. But it also sort of spreading awareness for ALL types of abuse and mental health awareness. Although, I still am going to make the book funny and have some wholesome moments. But overall, it's gonna be like All The Bright Places and Dear Evan Hansen

[@BrianWanke]

Was literally struggling with this right before you released this video. For one of my characters, I was worried she’d be called a Mary Sue. Was trying to think of flaws, but none of them really fit her character. Thank goodness you’re a mind reader.

[@RavenOConnor]

This video is so well-timed with the release of Rings Of Power season two. If only the showrunners/writers thought about even half of the things that you both talked about, especially with regards to girlbosses.

[@tjvista8177]

Unfortunately, the showrunners are more obsessed with radical politics than actual storytelling, alongside possibly having lots of skeletons in their closet.

[@alhanamcbride9387]

Anytime I try to find ways to make my characters flawed, people always either list negative traits to give them or their advice is too vague. With your tips, I know I am on the right track, I just need to expand on them. I hadn't considered that the type of secret my character has counts as a flaw, but it is. Now I just need to expand on it and explore it more. Thank you very much!

[@rainbowstarfall]

I think number 5 just hit at the core of my writer's block with my second arc: my hero's ego has crumbled after having several revelations about himself, but my villain's mask isn’t being torn away in a believable and engaging way. Thank you for the insight!

[@damon5733]

I was concerned it would come across as cheesy or even make him look weak, but I made my main character a 'momma's boy' in my first novel, which is urban fantasy. Much to my happy surprise, it's a trait people love about him. It fits your 'rely on others' and 'have compassion' points pretty well. Dragon Nest by Damon A. Daffron, if you're curious. ;)

[@evergreen6384]

It sounds like an interesting book! I’ll be sure to check that out sometime. Looking forward to more books in the series :)

[@tjvista8177]

It also helps if the parents genuinely cared about the protagonist's well-being.

[@ArmyIshiqa]

Thankyou for your podcast. I love to read lots but then I came up to find videos and it boost my confidence that I can write also. From when I start to follow your tips, it's really help me lot. I'm really grateful to you.❤❤

[@unicorntomboy9736]

For my YA dark fantasy novel, my protagonist's (a pre-teen princess) biggest fatal flaw is insecurity, and desire for external validation from others, doing anything for it, including from less savory individuals. This fat al.flaw evolves into more overtly sinister behaviours and traits as a young adult, when under the influence of a menevolent, cursed magical sword

[@debcarroll8192]

Thank you! I have done most of these things with my protagonist, but it is very encouraging to have you point them out.

[@rachelledellavecchia4951]

Amazing Content as always Abbie and Katie. Thanks so much for all you do.

[@ouchpaw3518]

I didn't know I needed this, but 4 pages on google docs later and I'M SO HAPPY, WHEE!

[@katgreer6113]

She always knows what we need!!

[@5674Kc]

As always, fantastic insight into building believable characters. plus, I just enjoy hearing you gals talk together. Reminds me of my Sis and I. ❤

[@WhiteFangofWar]

Free grab bag of flaws, usually originating from the character's misbelief or some secret past event: Short-tempered, depressive, too stoic, short (and too sensitive about it), tall (ditto), too rule--abiding, not rule-abiding enough, cowardice, laziness, prejudice, stressed-out, glutton, greed, vanity, too low/too high confidence level, paranoia, cynicism, stubbornness, clumsiness, anxiety around members of the opposite sex, romance obsessed, appearance obsessed.

[@gingernlee]

So helpful, thank you! Would you consider doing a video about character names/naming characters?

[@leahlandry1222]

Can you guys co-write a fantasy, enemies to lovers heist, PLEASE? This book needs to exist!

[@marirose9648]

Maybe this is your book to write!!

[@kayestar9990]

Love this! ❤ Perfect timing! I have a main character who will betray their found family military team at the end of the series, but I can't decide if I want the audience to know from the start or wait until the other characters find out in the plot twist. What do you think?

[@nicholas2827]

Maybe if they know from the beginning, you’ll have the readers trying to figure out why. Just a fleeting thought from a novice.

[@JusteenCurtis]

You could then introduce the why the main character is doing it through a series of flashbacks

[@BKPrice]

I'm currently writing a story where the villain is actually very selfless (although not entirely) and only causes problems by mistake. It is the means by which the villain is trying to attain those goals that are the problem.

[@KaylieghHereford]

I really love your videos!!

[@KaylieghHereford]

Your vids are the best! :) Miss Abbie, does this character (Most likeable character in my book) sound ok? She's the kindest character in the book, very motherly and empathetic, and knows how to make someone feel better. However, she's a control freak, and a nervous wreck. She's taking everybody's emotions on her, and it's leading to her being constantly anxious, and she occasionally takes it out on others when they don't do exactly what she wants them to. Her Misbelief is that other people having problems and mental disorders is because SHE doesn't try enough, even if she's trying as hard as she can. Sorry, if this question is annoying!

[@unicorntomboy9736]

I am not Abbie, obviously, but I think it is an interesting contradiction and juxtaposition going on there, that can generate some compelling conflict. It reminds me of my mother, actually. It sounds like you have a people pleaser kind of character

[@JusteenCurtis]

Maybe your character can have a fear of failure and whenever she fails to help others she tends to place the blame on herself

[@KaylieghHereford]

@@JusteenCurtis Yes!! Precisely!! :D Thank you!!! What do you think of this character?

[@JusteenCurtis]

@@KaylieghHereford I love it! I know another character from a show who tends to fear failure first before she does her plan and she tends to beat herself up if something goes wrong and blames herself personally. It’s what really trips her up.

[@SlipsunLightOfHeaven]

That is one of the most interesting characters I've ever heard of....

[@valbalmakesshorts]

This is perfect for my robotic demon antagonist so I can give them as little human traits as possible while making them hateable at the same time

[@galynnzitnik4600]

I have just started going back and editing a finished manuscript. These points will be very useful. Thank you!

[@michellethornton7926]

Great focus on characters, thank you! I love it when the characters we trust can see something good within the flawed character.

[@magicimaginations]

I love how u both do this together!! sisters! This is really valuable information thank you so much, yes macho ego characters lol i live with one, my boyfriend, he makes me roll my eyes all the time with his blah blah muscles story stuff, but you're both right behind all that toughness is a soft thoughtful person, anyway my character is nothing like that lol, but your vids are really helping me ty❤❤

[@tiffanylamb1187]

Thank you both again for another excellent video. I love watching one of your videos and finding out I am already doing what you suggest. Still, I'm going to have to rewatch it in order to take down some useful notes.

[@LarryThePhotoGuy]

When my MC is born into the Sisterhood, a genetic test reveals that he will likely develop certain unique mental powers. This makes him extremely valuable to the Sisterhood and to their enemies. They attempt to fake his death so that he can be raised in secret. This goes awry and the infant is left with a family that knows nothing about these powers. As the boy grows up, these powers subtly affect his adopted siblings. By the time anyone figures this out, it's too late. None of the sibs are unaffected, with the youngest committing suicide. The MC blames this elusive Sisterhood (a misbelief) and stubbornly refuses to interact with them. He seeks to live his life as a normal person, but he is not and leaves a trail of hurt people behind him. Even when the enemy discovers and threatens him and his family, he still refuses to go to the Sisterhood for help. He has to be (figuratively) dragged kicking and screaming into accepting their help and protection. All are nearly destroyed. Ultimately, he will have to overcome this flaw, become the hero and "save the world." I "think" all of your points are covered in creating this character. Your video has helped me to organize my thoughts around the flaws of what has been too perfect a character. Thanks for the help!

[@robertlamont4749]

Excellent! Thanks for sharing. 🎉

[@davidthomas9276]

Outlet of compassion: in The Fugitive movie, when Dr. Kimble takes time to correct the diagnosis of a young boy's injury and gets him to surgery, saving the kid's life while on the run for his own.

[@johntabler349]

You made me think of this exchange Kirk: Human beings are.... Spock: But Captain, as we both know I am not human Kirk: want to know something? Everybody's human Spock: I find that remark... Insulting Kirk: come on I need you

[@samanthagrace9081]

I love your videos, Abbie, and they help a lot with my writing. We have a lot of the same taste in literature and films (Pride & Prejudice, Little Women, and I also love Masterpiece Theater). I've never heard you mention my favorite classic though, Anne of Green Gables---I would love to see you do some story analysis on that book/film.

[@EmilyPotter-b7s]

Thank you both so much for this advice because it helps me become a better writer, i have just started writing and your videos have helped me out so much.

[@sarahwithanhyouheathen3210]

I love these two. They're so helpful, plus they look like Fluttershy and Rarity 😄

[@newlenmedia]

When you started talking about giving character's empathy or an empathetic outlet I immediately thought about the first season of Bridgerton. In that season, the oldest son just came off like a jerk. I didn't like him at all until the next season. Then they showed why he was the way he was and I felt more empathetic towards him.

[@etribzfootball5069]

Excellent video 😊

[@manavraheja]

i m 13 and i m gong to publish my first novel in around 2 months.. i wanted to ask if this pacing was right. here's a extract- “Dude, what’s your problem? I’ll tell Mom it was just a joke!” I shouted, panicking. We had only 30 minutes left before we had to leave for school. Without a word, Asher quickly hid his face and bolted into the bathroom. Confused, I walked over to the cupboard to get dressed. That’s when something caught my eye. There was a damp spot under Asher’s pillow. So, he was crying all this time? The thought hit me hard, and guilt began creeping in. But just as my mind started to spiral, a sudden shriek from Aunt Bea snapped me out of it. I bolted downstairs, and Mom and I rushed into the kitchen. “What happened, Aunt Bea?!” I asked, my heart pounding. “What’s going on, Bea? What’s all this noise?!” Mom demanded, equally frantic. Rio flew in, babbling in incomprehensible gibberish. Before we could make sense of anything, Dad rushed in behind us, his face pale with worry. “What happened?!” he asked, fear in his voice. Aunt Bea pointed at Rio, her face red with anger. “That stupid bird just pooped in my favorite, special, legendary stew!” An awkward silence hung in the air as we all stared at Rio, who seemed completely unfazed by the chaos. “Really, Aunt Bea? That’s why you screamed so loudly and woke up the whole neighborhood?” Mom asked, clearly frustrated. “Can’t you just make it again?” Dad chimed in. “Yeah, you old hag,” Rio added, squawking from his perch. Unable to contain my laughter, I sprinted upstairs and buried my face in a pillow, laughing uncontrollably. Tension filled the air as Aunt Bea argued with Mom, while Dad sighed in the background, trying to stay out of it. Rio firmly sided with Mom, echoing her points with a calm "yes" each time she spoke. This only fueled Aunt Bea’s anger, her face turning red with frustration. Then, without warning, she snapped, "I don’t want that bird in my house, and no one’s getting lunch today!" Her voice cracked with emotion as she stormed off to her bedroom, leaving a heavy silence in her wake. Aw man, I thought. I really liked the stew, and now we'd be stuck with some lousy canteen food. Asher came out, curious, and asked, "What’s going on?" I explained everything, and he couldn’t hold it in any longer-he started laughing. "Man, I love that bird," he said between chuckles. "The way it gets on Aunt Bea’s nerves is priceless." He kept laughing so hard that he had to catch his breath. I shook my head, trying to hide a smile, and headed downstairs to pack our bags. just provide some feedback for improvement somewhere:)

[@JusteenCurtis]

I would just like to say I like your story excerpt. It’s very good.

[@JusteenCurtis]

pacing might depend on how fast the events are happening and figuring out how fast or slow this scene would be in real life.

[@manavraheja]

@@JusteenCurtis errr, i don't understand 😅😅

[@douglasmclean3723]

excellent video you both seem to have the ability to stand back and witness people without being therapists very informative

[@nicholas2827]

Removed my original comment because I think I answered my own question. I appreciate what y’all do. I am recommending your channels to writers I come across. Thank Ms Kate/Abbie!

[@JusteenCurtis]

I for one will definitely recommend Kate and Abbie’s channel to whoever I can ❤

[@nicholas2827]

@@JusteenCurtis I’m going to be a paid member asap

[@JusteenCurtis]

@@nicholas2827 As soon as possible!!!😂

[@Art1tseL1lac]

Right on time! I was just designing my OCs (its an art term for original characters) and since i'm writing a book, they need personalities. Bcoz of the panic attack movie trend, I'm thinking of giving the MC (detective) a panic attack at the end when the murderer is found (it's a murder mystery). As for my other MC, the victim's bsf, she expresses her anger instead of having a panic attack, but i'm thinking double panic attack for both MCs. This might sound unrelated to the vid, but it tells u a lot about them, including fatal flaws!

[@unicorntomboy9736]

Has anyone else ever used AI art generators like DALLE -3 to visualise their characters via providing a character description passage from their novel? I find it very helpful, being able to visualise render what my descriptive prose is communicating, and see what my characters would look like visually. I once did it for my protagonist, and it was mostly quite accurate to what was written in my book

[@Art1tseL1lac]

@@unicorntomboy9736 nope, but it sounds good

[@unicorntomboy9736]

@@Art1tseL1lac I think it is a bit of fun

[@ΕλένηΦιρτικιάδου]

Hi Abbie! Your videos helped improve a lot and all, but... I was wondering if you could do a video about how the characters should confess their love.

[@TheEmoMixAndMatchToy]

My mc's first flaw is being not aware of what's going on to them in their job. They first think they have an awesome job and her biggest problem is being part doll, but as the story goes on, she realizes how manipulative the job is and tries to [and the other employees] escape

[@SlipsunLightOfHeaven]

So, my side character is quirky, and lovable, but my MC needs help. He sorta has a Desire Fear Misbelief, but I'm not really happy with it yet. I NEEDED this vid, thank you!!!! Really, thanks.

[@PatriciaDWriter]

OMG! I’m so glad I found you! I’ve been writing up a storm thanks to all your tips . Thank you! 🙏🩷

[@r.harlansmith7282]

Kate, Abbie, Maybe you can say something about the following with regard to personal flaws and misbeliefs Rational fear/hatred-Jews/Nazi Germany Irrational fear/hatred-A personal issue, misbelief “Nobody knows what love is.” “My guess is, Love is human sensitivity…given way to…a more permanent…a more devoted sensitivity toward another. It’s a version of more or less focused compassion, you see.” “You could say that about hate.” “Indeed, but you asked about love.” (A work in progress)

[@VideoGameRoom32]

What do you think of the character in the movie Paddington? The character is a bit of a flat character? Could you make this work in a book? I think Marty McFly from Back to the Future is a bit flat character, too.

[@WhiteFangofWar]

Marty is presented as your typical high schooler from the start, but as things progress we see he harbors a resentment towards his dad for being such a doormat that the whole town considers him a wimp. Marty's own flaw is being unable to resist when someone dares him to do something dangerous and calls him 'yellow'.

[@reese7404]

while watching this and hearing your new points, I kept trying to like it. but i realized I alr had! :)

[@TomS-rj5op]

Quick question: if I’d like to increase the foil-ness of my antagonist and protagonist, should I make their flaws all contrasting? How contrasting is too much? Thanks for the video, I love your channel.

[@TheDoctor398]

Give them the same flaw but the antagonist chooses the other path. As an example, the disney live action Cinderella movie did a good job showing how both she and Lady Tremaine lived more or less the same lives and struggled with the same things but Ella stayed kind and pure while Tremaine turned her pain into hatred and bitterness. The big moment was when Ella forgave her for mistreating her which showed how she didn't follow the same path as her.

[@TomS-rj5op]

Thanks! My antagonist has a the same overall story as the protagonist, but his flaw is narcissism whereas the protagonist’s is no self-worth. Thank you for the help!

[@JusteenCurtis]

Characters can have the same flaw but they are different people and therefore will react to situations differently

[@anamazing2297]

I think contrast depends heavily on the character and genre. Sometimes having parallels make certain differences shine. Other times it makes sense to be fully opposite. Batman and the Joker are great examples of super high contrast foils, right down to their color palettes. Batman is serious, Joker is decisively not. Joker is crazy, Batman is calculated. Batman is compassionate and takes in kids, whereas the Joker uses and disposes of anyone on a whim, while acting childishly. What contrasting traits do you want to emphasize in your characters? How does your protagonist _not_ want to be similar to your antagonist, but the antagonist might want? What can you think of that _is_ similar? And how do they interact? Respectfully? Immediate assault? Mockingly? Or a mix of interactions? (Sorry for the long comment, I've been thinking about this a lot 😅)

[@TomS-rj5op]

@@anamazing2297 No problem with the long response, I’ve been thinking about it too. So the villain is an aggressive sorcerer obsessed with power of nature, who hates empathy and thinks it has destroyed survival of the fittest and fight the planet. He’s a coward, he’ll flee any situation he thinks he has a chance of losing, but is so strong that never occurs. Our young protagonist calls him a coward in a moment of impulsivity (one of her fatal flaws). He becomes obsessed with killing her, but fails due to external intervention. This begins their feud: our protagonist’s desperation to be a hero and protect their friends leads a lack of self worth and an inability to choose the world over their friends. The antagonist does have a daughter, however he is an absent father and when given the choice between her and his goal, he chooses his goal. Sorry for the long message. What do you think?

[@TedMattos]

Much thanks, Miss Kate and Miss Abbie! :) Very helpful stuff! Not sure if you'll read this comment, but I was wondering if when you do these types of videos, you'd be willing to share some real-life literary examples of each category. For example, for Point #1 - Misbelief-caused fear - which character in a book, movie, etc. would we see that in? Anyway, just an idea - I hope you take no offense. :) Thanks again for your great resources!

[@Bill-kj8io]

“You can give your villain a heart.” Why does this make me think of My Bloody Valentine?

[@joelleartastic2468]

Hey Abbie, idk if you’ll read this but I’ve been doing stuff on enneagrams for my characters and know what types they are. But, I wanna know which types interact well with each other and which ones sorta get along and then ones that dislike each other so I can help build relationship dynamics. Do you think by any chance if u could make a video about it with your insight?

[@MrPuschi89-du4ev]

Hi dear Abbie Your wonderfull Tamplets cant be download on the Weblinks on KZbin - please help; i need the 3 Act Tamplet and the Arc-Tamplet😬

[@robinporter8481]

I always do similar methods for my characters.

[@MrandMrsLang]

I know this isnt the topic of the video, but you keep barely touching on it. They say every scene needs conflict- but in actuality, every scene needs to show consequence to make us care. Maybe you already made a video about this and I missed it, but I just watched another lady's vid about consequence>conflict, and it was eye opening for my writing!

[@petrastein2531]

Harold Finch from Person of Interest (and Bear), Marty Crane from Frasier (and Roz), Greg Parker from Flashpoint (and Spike), Phil Coulson from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (and Fitz-Simmons), possibly Ed Mercer from The Orville, Walter Bishop from Fringe, Nathaniel Taylor from Terra Nova, Kitty Forman from That 70's Show and Jennifer Goines from 12 Monkeys. These characters are so legendary and so lovable, that I'd like to have them in my life, honestly. xD What are your picks? Oh, and I wouldn't choose Gandalf, because he would lose his temper all the time. He would hate me like I'm a Hobbit. And then Adrian Monk I wouldn't choose, because I would be the one losing temper...

[@avleynkkoi]

Can you please write a structure template for Mystery? (I'm currently writing a Mystery novel)

[@The_Grubbernaut]

Im listening to this as im considering scrapping a whole story idea that I've been working on for over a year. I want to keep going, but i feel like I can't. Im no writer and everything I write I hate. So i think I'll give up and just focus on my attention on something else. I've barely had any support amd Im embarrassed to tell people about what Im writing. Everything will be ok. No one will read this, and it will be lost in the sea of comments to just slowly drift to the bottom and be lost forever.

[@BreannaCoffman-wi8dy]

By letting certain people see how they are sometimes angry or fearful of those who hurt them

[@Trrondee]

Somehow, your videos are so often on the topic i need them to be.

[@JustClaude13]

Once the basic nature is established, it's useful to find out what would push your character to act against their nature. Most of us are a mass of contradictions. Understanding the contradictions in your character will help give them depth.

[@StoryshiftC]

I love comics but not novels I'm making my oc a good protagonist and all of my ocs good characters but do you include comics as well?

[@hello-lz4xj]

hey abby!!! just a question, how do we write sociopathic or manipulative characters that readers still love?

[@CelestieWinters]

Abbie! I have a question! So I just released my debut novel (the print is getting approved, but ebook is up!) and I wanted to know how to market it…you see I’m a teenage author and don’t have social media other than KZbin..I’ve tried posting about it but it doesn’t seem to be working. Got any ideas? (Also I love your channel so much🩷 EeEe!)

[@katgreer6113]

She doesn't make videos on things like that. Try looking at what other self published authors are doing!

[@CG-os6gw]

Abbie, could you do a video on how to handle difficult types of character deaths like children or pets? I can’t find any advice on keeping it from being too dark or triggering.

[@kasiako355]

Maybe you could put more attention on how the close ones react to the death, than to the death scene itself?

[@myst2798]

How do you know when a character's a side character? Like where do you draw the line?

[@Bill-kj8io]

I don’t agree with what they said about villains either. It is a very popular opinion these days to say that a villian ought to have something we can relate to about them, that they should have something humanizing (even if they are not literally human). I have always found villains more frightening and compelling if they are total inhuman and, in fact, born evil. Pennywise from It is pure evil and has always been evil. He’s fascinating and terrifying. The Orcs from The Lord of the Rings are also actually more interesting than they otherwise would have been precisely because they are born evil. Without the theologically puzzling fact of their innately wicked natures they would be kind of dull.

[@hadeshades2365]

My main character threw who people see my story in a more relatable way is born into servitude in slave like conditions, gets rescued/kidnapped by an unholy creature which is actually nice to her and shows great care. She begins to develop a longing for him believing it is just the comfort he can give with his body heat. Her Kidnapper is a soldier that ware’s body’s like we ware clothing. Threw millennia of reincarnation he grew to be an expert in conflict between factions be it diplomatic or straight out war. His actions no longer resemble those of the once human who despises everything his species has become apart from the servant girl he endangered by his mission failure and dragged along to spare her.

[@Bill-kj8io]

I’m not sure I agree with the idea that a main character must have a false belief in order to be an active participant in the story. Take Gandalf and Aragorn from the Lord of the Rings. Neither of these characters have false beliefs. The movie version of Aragorn is more doubt-risen about his own moral purity, but the book version is completely unconflicted. Still, even without an internal conflict, Gandalf and Aragorn are both very proactive within the story. They are also still likeable and relatable. Even Frodo does not have any false beliefs I can think of. He is afraid of failing to fulfill the quest, but that is not a false belief. His fears in fact come true. He does failing and the quest is instead fulfilled through Divine Providence.

[@jermainerucker2027]

I’m struggling with my story concept. Because I feel if I give my character a “fatal flaw.” It’ll in turn ruin the whole story.

[@pippaschroeder4388]

I am having trouble with the supporting character's being more interesting then the main character and how to focus the main character while keeping roughly the same story

[@IndianOutlaw1870]

You have very good content. I think your channel is female-centric, which I assume is by design. I'm not always comfortable "hanging out" here, but I do glean some useful insights from your videos. Keep pushing forward.

[@JusteenCurtis]

Firsties!❤

[@thefatbat5556]

Watched "Attack of the Cliches" and decided to flip the Main Character Syndrome on it's head. My protag is almost entirely flaw.

[@lekshith-t5j]

nice stuff can you make a story of a ninja adventure story with friends that come a little late in the story

[@DameiusLameocrates]

got number 5 on lock

[@janiefallout8]

I was thinking about the film "Sisu" while listening. In short, it's about an old gold-digger who fights some nazis because they stole his gold. He's a kind of a superhero but he has some humanity in him. For example he saves his dog and helps a group of women and relies on them to help him fight the nazis.

[@JusteenCurtis]

“ Sisu “ just like the name of the dragon in the Disney film “ Raya and the Last Dragon “!

[@uncleanunicorn4571]

what does Abby think about a flat arc where everyone *else* has flawed misbeliefs, and a solid, stable main character has to convince their colleagues, love interest, and enemy that they've all got it wrong, and must move everyone else back into alignment with the heroes' values?

[@wolfkiller2211]

You know... I appreciate you and your work so much, but i can't help myself but feel miserable lately, and the more i learn the more miserable and not deserving to be a writer i feel... It's just so complicated! What if i show mc's flaws and it's not believable or something? What if i'll finish my book and find out that i needed to choose other flaws to portray what i wanted to portray? What if it's not emotional and engaging enough? What if i'll come up with a secret that'll make readers hate my mc and close the book? What if i overcomplicate things? What if, on the countrary, it'll come out bland? I feel stuck in a web full of these thoughts. I know i just need a break, but when i'll return it'll stay as difficult as it is now and the thought of it drives me mad. Urgh geez.

[@saramishlerphotography]

Abbie you remind me of Kierra Knightley

[@carlijnduisters]

What are examples of misbelief based fears in actual stories

[@camir2747]

💜

[@psyduck2250]

HELLO!

[@josieann4390]

💜💜