Nothing makes a character seem less real than one without any faults or failings, and that includes your heroes.
No person is perfect, and creating perfection in your character, unless for some reason "perfection" is inherent to the story line, will give that character a plastic appearance. The faults can range from the minor flaws we all have (yes, we do) to severe personality or moral defects, depending on the role and relationship of your character to your novel's plot.
Consider the following from Bryony:
* Melissa Marchellis: occasionally lies when it suits her purposes, sells out her safety to live a fantasy, and is obsessive about the object of her fascination, which leads to impulsive and poor choices.
* Brian Marchellis: can be enthusiastic to the point of annoying and energetic without focus. Luckily for Brian, a good mentor harnessed those traits.
* Darlene Marchellis: distracted and trusting enough to be irresponsible where her children are concerned.
* Steve Barnes: other than occasional crankiness (who could blame him?), Steve is really all right. :)
* Ann Dalton: unrealistic idealism
* Katie Miller: immaturity, hero worship
* Julie Drake: bluntly outspoken
* Shelly Gallager: passive personality
* Laura Jones: boy-crazy
* Kimberly Whitney: narcissistic
* Frank Marchellis: extremely bashful and introspective
* John Simons: self-centered and manipulative
* Henry Matthews: biting sarcasm, mocking, hedonistic
* Kellen Weschler: insatiable need for power and control
No person is perfect, and creating perfection in your character, unless for some reason "perfection" is inherent to the story line, will give that character a plastic appearance. The faults can range from the minor flaws we all have (yes, we do) to severe personality or moral defects, depending on the role and relationship of your character to your novel's plot.
Consider the following from Bryony:
* Melissa Marchellis: occasionally lies when it suits her purposes, sells out her safety to live a fantasy, and is obsessive about the object of her fascination, which leads to impulsive and poor choices.
* Brian Marchellis: can be enthusiastic to the point of annoying and energetic without focus. Luckily for Brian, a good mentor harnessed those traits.
* Darlene Marchellis: distracted and trusting enough to be irresponsible where her children are concerned.
* Steve Barnes: other than occasional crankiness (who could blame him?), Steve is really all right. :)
* Ann Dalton: unrealistic idealism
* Katie Miller: immaturity, hero worship
* Julie Drake: bluntly outspoken
* Shelly Gallager: passive personality
* Laura Jones: boy-crazy
* Kimberly Whitney: narcissistic
* Frank Marchellis: extremely bashful and introspective
* John Simons: self-centered and manipulative
* Henry Matthews: biting sarcasm, mocking, hedonistic
* Kellen Weschler: insatiable need for power and control
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