Character Development Lessons: 05 Flaws · 10:10am Nov 29th, 2013
Character Development
05 Flaws
Happy Thanksgiving students and welcome back! Today we cover flaws, because I can't be fucked thinking of anything else and you guys aren't worth it.
That is the flaw of 'anti-person', someone who dislikes those around them and the work they must do for them. Please don't take offense. Seriously, though, this is cutting into my anime time.
A flaw within a character is seen as a personal problem or outlook they have that is deemed inappropriate by the author, and as such must be addressed and fixed through the plot to develop them as a character. The important thing to note here is 'deemed inappropriate by the author', as its meaning suggests this means that the problem is not one that everyone can agree with as a problem, but whether it is due to circumstances in the story, the relationship with another character, or simply something that progresses the story, it is a part that must be tended to.
This is important in characters as most stories are based all around the idea of it. It gives meaning to events that shape the story. An important things about the idea of flaws though, is that not everyone agrees with the idea that the flaw is indeed a flaw. A personal defect might be strength in the sight of many of the other characters or the character in question themselves, and thus see no reason to bid farewell to it. It can sometimes causes dispute with the audience reading the story.
A good author will take that confusion, the clash of opinions, and make that into part of the story. It can start with the focus of an aspect of one character doing something that highlights their 'flaw' that makes the other characters try to make them better. Then it may end with the other characters seeing they were biased and wrong to try and change someone, thus changing themselves instead. This is actually done in the show itself, an example being that Zecora episode I can't remember the name of.
An example of a fic that takes the clash of opinions, and in my taste has the best use of a seemingly cliche character I've read so far, is 'Equestria's First Human' for its human, Conner. Conner is a high school student who is a bit feeble and weak, and thus relays on others a lot. That shown in the story, and that's just it. No other HiE I've read actually admits to their character having such a pathetic tendency and using that to its utmost possibility in the story's main plot. The ponies think he should learn to deal with it themselves after he causes some trouble with them, while he thinks he is fine. A clash of opinions.
But this is where it gets great. At the end, not gonna spoil the plot, both sides realise they were wrong in different ways but share the blame equally, thus meaning every single character goes through a change that betters them.
No where else, not even in proper novels, have I ever seen a group character development done on such a scale and with such mastery, making this story one in my 'Character "Nailed It" Hall of Fame'.
I should probably actually make that a thing.
Anyway, what are your opinions on this subject? Be sure to comment or ask questions and I hope to see you guys next time!
Class is Dismissed!
Lesson one: The Uniqueness of Characters
Lesson two: Past Traits
Lesson three: Inheritance
Lesson four: Humans
