The 11 Character Flaws discussed within this chapter.
#11 Paranoia
#12 Overprotectiveness
#13 Dishonesty
#14 Recklessness
#15 Pessimism
#16 Insecurity
#17 Vengefulness
#18 Conformity
#19 Stubbornness
#20 Melancholy
#21 Narcissism
Many of these can often times do overlap with each other even in real life.
11. Paranoia
Paranoia is unjustified suspicion and mistrust of others. (Can connect into Pessimism and Cynicism too.)
Why is it interesting?: Paranoia can create intense psychological drama and mystery, making the readers question the character's perspective.
Example: Winston Smith in "1984" by George Orwell. His paranoia, although justified in his dystopian world, leads to tension and a gripping plot.
Key questions: What triggers his paranoia? How does he cope with it?
How does his paranoia affect his relationships and decisions?
12. Overprotectiveness
Overprotectiveness is an excessive desire to protect someone, often to the point of being controlling.
Example: I have a personalized one from this my own Dad is so filled with strictness that it becomes Overprotectiveness towards me that it often feels way too controlling. And his pressure is Oppressive mentally and he won't even recognize this flaw in there in him.
Example: Marilla Cuthbert in "Anne of Green Gables" by L.M.
Montgomery. Her overprotectiveness of Anne creates both heartwarming and challenging dynamics in their relationship.
Anakin in Revenge of The Sith it's not about him being jealousy zealous over Padame's affection unironically Anakin's flaws in Revenge of The Sith are different from the Ones he had during The Clone Wars Series & The Attack of The Clones Movie.
His Revenge of The Sith flaws are Paranoia an unjustified mistrust of Obi Wan Kenobi (You only see that flaw creep up once in The Clone Wars Tv Show and it doesn't return till the ending scene of Revenge of The Sith.) and Overprotectiveness.
Being too Cling is the first sign that you might be too controlling become Oppressive and these signs lead straight into Overprotectiveness.
Key questions: Who is she overprotective of, and why? How does her overprotectiveness manifest? What conflicts have arisen because of her overprotectiveness?
13. Dishonesty
Dishonesty- habitual lying or untruthfulness.
Paranoia can be seen as a wall of selfish lies. Lies that give false testimony.
Anakin exposed Obi Wan Kenobi to the dishonesty of the Jedi Council in The Clone Wars Series Season 4 episode 18 Crisis On Naboo.
"You lied to me! How many other lies have I been told by the Council?
And How Do You Know That You Even Know The Whole Truth?!" Anakin Skywalker says to Obi Wan Kenobi.
Example: Tom Ripley in "The Talented Mr. Ripley" by Patricia Highsmith.
His dishonesty creates a thrilling game of cat and mouse.
Key questions: What motivates his lies? How has his dishonesty affected his relationships? What has he gained or lost through deceit?
14. Recklessness
Recklessness is the lack of regard for the danger or consequences of one's actions.
Recklessness is connected with impulsivity both end up in unwanted results regardless of how unintended resulting consequences are.
Why this is interesting: Reckless characters add an element of unpredictability and excitement, often driving key plot events.
Example: Catherine Earnshaw in "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë.
Her reckless love for Heathcliff causes turmoil and heartbreak.
Key questions: What causes her recklessness?
How does it affect those around her?
What consequences have arisen from her reckless behaviour?
15. Pessimism
Pessimism is the tendency to see the worst in things or believe that the worst will happen.
Why this is interesting: Pessimistic characters can provide a counterpoint to optimism, adding depth and conflict within a story.
Example: Eeyore in "Winnie-the-Pooh" by A.A. Milne. His gloomy outlook creates a humorous contrast with the other cheerful characters.
Key questions: Why is he so pessimistic? How does his pessimism affect his interactions with others? How does it impact his view of the world?
Another book character who has this flaw: Puddlegum The Marshwiggle of the book The Silver Chair in The Chronicles of Narnia.
Puddlegum has this flaw until someone tries to out compete him by being very pessimistic unironically not accidentally, Skylights.
Another example: Disney's Tangled Mother Gothel's Song Mother Knows Best is Not a Manipulative Villain Song but a Pessimistic Villain Song because she is only choose to see the worst of the outside world and all of Rapunzel's flaws.
16. Insecurity
Insecurity is the lack of confidence or assurance meaning you are left with only self-doubt.
Why this is interesting: Insecurity can make a character more relatable and set them on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
Example: Meg Murry in "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle. Her insecurity plays a crucial role in her character development and the story's theme.
In the Disney animated cartoon film Moana: Both Moana and Maui go through a challenge of insecurity while out on the Ocean.
Maui's starts after they leave The Realm of Monsters behind.
Moana's is short and brief when she decided to the Ocean back the heart. This scene marks the turning point when her Doubt comes to the surface to actually challenge up until this point she couldn't be allowed to challenge her doubt because Maui was doing that for it.
And she refuses to listen to it by looking back at all she had accomplished.
Key questions: What makes her feel insecure? How does she deal with her insecurities? How does her insecurity affect her actions and relationships?
17. Vengefulness.
Vengefulness is the desire for Revenge.
Why this is interesting: Vengeful characters can drive intense and dark plots, filled with intrigue and tension.
Example: Edmond Dantès in "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas. His desire for revenge fuels the entire plot, leading to thrilling twists.
Key questions: What caused his desire for revenge? How does he plan to exact it? What are the consequences of his vengeful actions?
18. Conformity
Conformity is compliance with standards, rules, or laws, often to the detriment of individually
Why this is interesting: Conformity can explore themes of identity, societal pressure, and rebellion, making for a compelling narrative.
Example: Offred in "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood. Her struggle with conformity in a dystopian society is central to the novel's theme.
Key questions: What forces her to conform? How does her conformity affect her sense of self? What are the costs and benefits of her conformity?
19. Stubbornness
Stubbornness is the unwillingness to change one's mind or course of action despite reason or persuasion
Why is this interesting?: Stubborn characters can create tension, conflict, and comedy within a story, depending on how this trait is portrayed.
Example: Bilbo Baggins in "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien. His initial stubbornness to go on an adventure adds depth and humour to his character.
Key questions: What makes him so stubborn? How has his stubbornness helped or hindered him? What relationships have been affected by his stubbornness?
20. Melancholy
Melancholy is a persistent feeling of sadness and depression.
Why this is interesting: Melancholy characters can evoke deep empathy and exploration of themes like loss, love, and existential despair.
Example: Holden Caulfield in "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger.
His melancholic nature defines his character and impacts his view of the world.
Key questions: What causes her melancholy? How does she express or deal with it? How does her melancholy affect her relationships and decisions?
21. Narcissism
Narcissism is Excessive self-love or self-centeredness.
Why this is interesting: Narcissistic characters often clash with others, creating internal and external conflicts that drive the plot.
Example: Dorian Gray in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde.
His narcissism leads to moral degradation and a tragic end.
Key questions: What fuels his narcissism? How does it manifest in his relationships? What are the consequences of his self-centred behaviour?
Here are the next ten flaws all aligned in this chapter. Enjoy, Skylights, and I hope this has helped plenty of New Writers