Published by Deborah on 29 Nov 2005 at 06:26 pm
Making Good Characters Go a Little Bad
I hate reading about perfect characters–the stereotypical, altruistic ones who never commit the slightest sin and live the fairy tale lifestyle. Ick!
I’ve yet to meet anyone who is honestly perfect. In reality, people put on a good face to look good in front of their peers and society. Only their loved ones (or those who live in close proximity to them) really know who they are.
In this next chapter, I’m going to show Amanda’s bad side, where she exacts her revenge on the deputy who robbed her and the incompetent sheriff who set him loose. Her revenge will backfire, and she’ll have to face the consequences.
Pat Kirby on 02 Dec 2005 at 8:13 am #
I feel that way about “bad” characters, too. Even the nastiest scumbag cared about something or someone. That doesn’t make them a nice person, but the Pure Evil Out To Destroy Everything stereotype bores me.
Deborah on 02 Dec 2005 at 2:06 pm #
Very true. On the surface, it’s hard to imagine them caring about anyone but themselves. Dig a little deeper and you may find their weak spots.