When deg a character, specially if it's a hero, don't forget that heroes are also human beings.
Your main objective in storytelling is making the reader feel identified with the hero of your story, so everything else feels believable.
You should make sure to feature some things about your heroes:
-They can fail, and must fail, so they can surrender their ego, learn from mistakes and grow. Tragedy makes journey, so compromise your character and think how a human would get out. If it would die, send help from someone else.
-They'll often need help to overcome trials and escape the dankest situations, because no one is perfect at handling every problem ever, specially those that haven't been faced before or were unexpected.
-They need to learn to master new skills or weapons, even when there is an innate knowledge of them. Think of Anakin, he was extremely good at using the Force but he still had to grow and a training (and not completing it meant failure).
-They can be bested by other warriors. Anime and Manga are extremely good at showing this.
-They have limits inside their own universe. A hero can be extremely powerful but still will need to sacrifice something for a greater outcome. Voldemort, for example, cheated death at a cost.
-They'll often reject a trial at first glance for thinking they are not good enough (a mentor will give a tool, advice or similar to motivate the hero).
-They are not paragons of ethics and morals, even Buddha and Jesus had their own dilemmas, incoherences and bad touch.
-They don't need to be loved by everyone. Think of the most kind person you can, every human can be disliked by someone.
-Those who dislike your hero don't need to be necessarily bad guys, but just don't share opinions or tastes.
-They can have great weaknesses, both physical, emotional and mental. And I don't mean by this "feels no emotion and is a killing machine", but being susceptible to manipulation, being fat, being weak, lacking limbs, screaming in fear or even a state that removes all special skills (kryptonite). In all cases, a hero must have fears, because "fear is the oldest and strongest emotion of mankind" (HP Lovecraft)
And most importantly, heroes stand in a social universe, and realistic social interactions are vital for a good tale.
Just put yourself into the mindset of your hero, and think what would YOU do in each situation, from a realistic and human perspective. And if that means failing or acting by impulse, go ahead. Cheat to put your hero in trouble, but never cheat to take them out of trouble (from Pixar tips on storytelling, they design the best heroes nowadays)
And avoid everything that Rey is
Thanks for the feature!
Comments (25)
As a writer this really helps. When I was 16 I started a fantasy story, I am 23 now. When I read the first version i cringe so hard. The hero was titled the Pure One and could make no mistake as it was inbedded in their soul. Later I started two prequals with new skills I learned and decided that the best way is to reboot the original, to make everything more believable. The heroes, the companions, their journey, hell even the villain, although I am still struggling with rebooting the villain.
So thanks for this post my dude. I love writing almost as much as I do gaming and any piece that can help me improve is really appreciated :D
I am glad it helped mate. Myths and heroes are an important part of my life, both from a psychosocial and human perspective, so I wanted to help others build better heroes and tales :)
Just don’t make a Mary Sue
People tend to make them on fanfiction and original characters, and it's sad seeing how potentially good characters are spoiled for their limitless capacities
Ok Mr. English teacher
I am currently writing a story and a friend of mine helps me edit it and so far he said he hates how well i make him love the character i have, but hate how much it makes him feel.
(Then you are doing it right!)