tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post7856342244375179325..comments2023-12-26T18:33:04.681-08:00Comments on Writability: Character Development: Exploiting WeaknessesGabe (Ava Jae)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04778524723148508140noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-15952950618753541702012-09-09T05:58:08.312-07:002012-09-09T05:58:08.312-07:00I think Superman syndrome can happen very easily i...I think Superman syndrome can happen very easily in the first draft. It's one of those things that we have to remember to keep an eye out for (if you know you have a penchant for it) while revising.Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-74710047852606684432012-09-09T05:57:11.047-07:002012-09-09T05:57:11.047-07:00I haven't read Shiver, but I like that--a fear...I haven't read <i>Shiver</i>, but I like that--a fear of bathtubs. It sounds amusing, but I'm sure the reasoning behind it helps to deepen his character (and make any readers who may have been initially amused by it feel a little guilty). <br /><br /><br />Also, I really like what you said about wanting a flawed character who can love <i>despite</i> his shortcomings. I absolutely agree--flawed characters always win in my book.Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-63459812005324904472012-09-06T21:33:37.055-07:002012-09-06T21:33:37.055-07:00My character started off with Superhuman syndrome ...My character started off with Superhuman syndrome but I've long cut that out. Without even realising it, I put a claustrophobic character smack bang in a tiny city surrounded by mountains. Her need to get out of there is what drives her into trouble.Heather M Bryantnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-81967391581554100132012-09-05T14:50:52.461-07:002012-09-05T14:50:52.461-07:00Great post! This is one of the things that is both...Great post! This is one of the things that is bothering me about YA--a lot of the characters are too perfect. Especially love interests! What is up with that?? I don't want a perfect guy like Edward Cullen! I want a flawed one who I can love despite his shortcomings! <br /><br />Like Sam in Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. His fear of bathtubs made him seem more human, and when you find out the reason why it breaks your heart and you love him even more.Kaitlin Hillerichnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-14964117466488628142012-09-05T13:23:30.551-07:002012-09-05T13:23:30.551-07:00I honestly can't picture or write a character ...I honestly can't picture or write a character without first giving them a weakness. To me, that defines character, often more than their strength. Great post, Ava, and excellent examples!Margaret Alexanderhttp://twitter.com/markedforpowernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-74818290204187148622012-09-05T11:59:17.722-07:002012-09-05T11:59:17.722-07:00You're absolutely right. Thanks, Jenny! :)You're absolutely right. Thanks, Jenny! :)Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-60716544311305503062012-09-05T11:58:47.297-07:002012-09-05T11:58:47.297-07:00I think the ability to identify with a character w...I think the ability to identify with a character who displays weakness is huge--it's very difficult to connect to a "perfect" character without a single flaw. They don't actually exist in real life, so why create them on the page?Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-4500442328490028942012-09-05T09:43:25.389-07:002012-09-05T09:43:25.389-07:00Some great examples here. Showing the flaws are re...Some great examples here. Showing the flaws are really what make our characters seem relateable and strong. Nobodies perfect!J. A. Bennetthttp://twitter.com/j_a_bennettnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-23157957682676059982012-09-05T09:35:46.697-07:002012-09-05T09:35:46.697-07:00Good points! I like in Robert McGee's, 'St...Good points! I like in Robert McGee's, 'Story,' that we like characters with weakness' more because it makes them more like us and we can identify with them better.Tony Dutsonhttp://www.facebook.com/tony.dutson.5noreply@blogger.com