2.3 Character flaws and growth

Character flaws are essential for creating compelling TV pilots. They make characters relatable and provide opportunities for growth. This topic explores different types of flaws, how they drive plot, and ways to reveal them to the audience.

Balancing flaws with strengths is crucial for well-rounded characters. The notes discuss how to avoid clichéd flaws, contrast protagonist and antagonist flaws, and use flaws to propel character development throughout a series.

Types of character flaws

• Character flaws are essential in writing the television pilot as they make characters more realistic, relatable and create opportunities for growth and conflict
• Flaws can be categorized in various ways such as physical vs emotional, fatal flaws, fear-based flaws, and conflict-creating flaws
• Understanding the different types of flaws helps writers craft multi-dimensional characters that engage the audience

Physical vs emotional flaws

Top images from around the web for Physical vs emotional flaws

• 

  Freud and the Psychodynamic Perspective | Introductory Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Character Flaw Reference Sheet by AnikaandAj on DeviantArt View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Body Dysmorphic Disorder | Abnormal Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Freud and the Psychodynamic Perspective | Introductory Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Character Flaw Reference Sheet by AnikaandAj on DeviantArt View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Physical vs emotional flaws

• 

  Freud and the Psychodynamic Perspective | Introductory Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Character Flaw Reference Sheet by AnikaandAj on DeviantArt View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Body Dysmorphic Disorder | Abnormal Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Freud and the Psychodynamic Perspective | Introductory Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Character Flaw Reference Sheet by AnikaandAj on DeviantArt View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Physical flaws relate to a character's appearance or physical abilities (a limp, a scar, a stutter)
• Emotional flaws are internal and relate to a character's personality, beliefs, and psychological makeup (jealousy, arrogance, insecurity)
• Physical flaws can often symbolize or manifest from deeper emotional flaws
• Emotional flaws tend to be more complex and have a greater impact on a character's actions and relationships

Fatal flaws

• Fatal flaws are deep-seated character defects that lead to a character's downfall or destruction
• Often stem from a character's hubris, pride, or inability to change
• Can be the central focus of a character's arc, driving the plot towards a tragic end (ambition in Macbeth, pride in Oedipus)
• In television pilots, fatal flaws may not lead to literal death but can result in significant losses or failures for the character

Flaws based on fears

• Many character flaws are rooted in deep-seated fears and insecurities
• Fear of failure can manifest as perfectionism, workaholism, or risk aversion
• Fear of abandonment can lead to clinginess, jealousy, or trust issues
• Fears can be backstory wounds that continue to impact the character in the present storyline
• Overcoming fears can be a powerful part of a character's growth arc

Flaws that create conflict

• Flaws that put characters in direct opposition to each other create narrative conflict and tension
• Differing belief systems, moral codes, or personality traits can make characters clash
• A character's flaw can create internal conflict as they struggle between their flaw and their goals or values
• Conflict-creating flaws are essential in crafting compelling drama in a television pilot

Flaws and character development

• Character flaws serve as the foundation for character development and growth in a television series
• Identifying a character's flaws in the pilot episode sets up potential arcs for the character to evolve over the course of the series
• Flaws can be used in different ways - as a starting point to overcome, as persistent struggles, or as impetus for change without full resolution

Flaws as starting point

• The pilot can introduce a character's flaw as the jumping off point for their development arc
• The flaw is clearly established early on, setting up the expectation that the character will need to grapple with and overcome this issue
• The flaw may be directly stated through dialogue or clearly demonstrated through the character's actions
• Establishes the "before" snapshot of the character before their growth journey begins

Overcoming flaws for growth

• One approach to character development is having the character overcome their flaw over the course of the series
• The pilot sets up the flaw as a major obstacle or deficit in the character's life
• Subsequent episodes show the character taking incremental steps to address and work on their flaw
• The character's growth is demonstrated by their ability to ultimately triumph over their flaw (a cowardly character becomes brave, a selfish character learns to put others first)

Flaws that persist

• An alternative approach is to have the character's flaw persist throughout the series as a consistent struggle
• The character may make progress in some episodes but backslide in others, demonstrating the realistic difficulties of overcoming deep-seated flaws
• The flaw becomes a defining trait of the character and a reliable source of conflict and tension
• Persistent flaws can make a character feel more realistic and relatable to audiences

Character growth without flaw resolution

• Characters can still undergo meaningful development even if their specific flaws are never fully resolved
• Growth can be demonstrated through how the character copes with and adapts to their flaws over time
• A character may learn to manage their flaws more effectively or find ways to channel them productively
• Unresolved flaws can symbolize the ongoing nature of personal growth and the fact that humans remain flawed even as they evolve

Revealing character flaws

• Revealing character flaws to the audience is a key function of the television pilot
• Flaws can be exposed through various storytelling devices such as character actions, dialogue, and other characters' perspectives
• The manner in which flaws are revealed can range from subtle and implied to direct and obvious
• Effective flaw reveals balance showing without overstating, allowing the audience to discover who the character is

Flaws via character actions

• Demonstrating a character's flaws through their actions is a powerful way to reveal character
• How a character behaves, reacts, and makes choices can implicitly communicate their flaws to the audience
• A character who constantly interrupts others and dominates conversations is showing their arrogance and self-absorption
• Actions reveal character in a "show don't tell" manner that respects the audience's ability to interpret

Flaws via dialogue

• A character's dialogue can be used to expose their flaws, both through what they say and how they say it
• Problematic word choices, offensive comments, or insensitive questions can reveal a character's limited perspective or prejudices
• Characters may verbally acknowledge their own flaws either seriously or through self-deprecating jokes
• Subtext and implication in dialogue can subtly hint at deeper character flaws

Flaws via other characters' perspectives

• Flaws can be revealed through how other characters perceive and react to a character
• Another character's commentary or criticism can provide insight into flaws the character themselves may not be aware of
• A character's flaws can be implied by the way others tiptoe around them or are impacted by their behavior
• Conflicts that arise between characters can point to the differing flaws that are putting them at odds

Subtlety vs obviousness of flaws

• The degree to which a character's flaws are made obvious to the audience can vary depending on the storytelling style and tone
• Some pilots opt for subtlety, hinting at flaws without directly stating them and trusting the audience to pick up on subtext
• Other pilots are more direct in explicitly calling out a character's flaws through clear dialogue or overt actions
• A balanced approach uses a mix of subtlety and clarity to give the audience credit while still ensuring the flaws are effectively communicated

Character flaws and plot

• Character flaws are deeply intertwined with plot in a television pilot and throughout the series
• Flaws can be the source of inciting incidents that kick off the story, drive character actions that propel the narrative, and create arcs of growth or downfall
• Exploring how flaws interface with the events of the plot is key to crafting a cohesive and compelling pilot

Inciting incidents from flaws

• A character's flaw can be the catalyst for the inciting incident that sets the story in motion
• A character's impulsiveness leads them to make a rash decision that puts the plot into gear
• A character's naivete causes them to fall for a deception that kicks off the central conflict
• Flaws as inciting incidents create a clear cause and effect between character and plot from the start

Flaws that drive narrative

• Character flaws can be the engine that drives the plot forward throughout the pilot and series
• A character's flaw generates new conflicts and challenges that create narrative momentum
• A character's dishonesty causes their lies to snowball, leading to increasingly high stakes situations
• Flaws as drivers keep the character at the center of the action and tie their development to the unfolding story

Overcoming flaws as character arc

• A character's journey of overcoming their flaw can parallel the progression of the plot
• As the character takes steps to address their flaw, they are able to advance in the central story goal
• The climax of the pilot or season can synchronize the character conquering their flaw with achieving a major plot objective
• Intertwining the internal flaw arc and external plot arc creates satisfying, unified storytelling

Unresolved flaws at climax

• If a character's flaw remains unresolved, it can come to a head at the story's climax
• The character's refusal or inability to overcome their flaw creates a final crisis that raises the stakes to the breaking point
• A character's persistent selfishness causes them to betray others at a crucial moment
• Unresolved flaws at the climax create a tragic trajectory or a realistic portrayal of the ongoing nature of the character's struggles

Flaws in protagonist vs antagonist

• Carefully designing the flaws of both the protagonist and antagonist is vital to creating a balanced and compelling narrative in a television pilot
• The flaws of the main characters are often two sides of the same coin, with the protagonist's flaws being framed as more relatable and redeemable than the antagonist's
• Flaw differentiation between the two lead roles is an important part of getting the audience invested in rooting for the protagonist

Contrasting protagonist and antagonist flaws

• Placing the protagonist and antagonist's flaws in contrast to each other heightens their opposition and adds complexity
• The protagonist's flaw is a more sympathetic deficit that they struggled with, while the antagonist's is a more villainous character defect
• The protagonist is stubborn in fighting for what they believe in, while the antagonist is stubborn in refusing to see other perspectives
• Contrasts in flaws emphasize the core differences between the characters and the worldviews or approaches they represent

Mirroring of protagonist and antagonist flaws

• Giving the protagonist and antagonist mirrored versions of the same flaw can create a dark duality between the characters
• Both characters are shown to be impacted by the same core flaw, but manifest it in different ways based on their personalities and roles
• The protagonist and antagonist both struggle with pride, but for the protagonist it's pride in their work, while for the antagonist it's arrogance and superiority
• Mirrored flaws suggest that the two leads are not as different as they seem and are fighting against similar demons

Protagonist flaws as relatable

• The protagonist's flaws are typically framed as relatable human shortcomings that the audience can see themselves in
• Efforts are made to ensure that even when the protagonist is flawed, they still maintain the audience's sympathy and understanding
• The protagonist's impulsiveness comes from a place of passion and good intentions rather than malice
• Relatable flaws allow the audience to connect with the protagonist even when they make mistakes

Antagonist flaws as unrelatable

• The antagonist's flaws are often exaggerated to the point of being difficult for the audience to relate to
• Antagonist flaws tend to be amplified to an extreme degree or combined with a general lack of remorse or self-awareness
• The antagonist is not just arrogant but narcissistic to a clinical degree and willing to hurt others to maintain their ego
• Unrelatable antagonist flaws make the character feel distinctly separate from the audience and position them as the clear opposition to the protagonist

Avoiding cliched flaws

• In writing a television pilot, it's important to avoid character flaws that feel overused, stereotypical, or overly familiar to the audience
• Cliched flaws can make characters feel flat and unoriginal, failing to get the audience invested
• Putting thought into crafting flaws that feel specific and unique to each character is key to creating a fresh and engaging pilot

Commonly overused flaws

• Certain broad flaw categories have become cliched due to overuse across movies and television
• The "lovable mess" character whose flaws are disorganization and immaturity (constantly late, bad with money, afraid of commitment)
• The "renegade cop" character whose flaws are recklessness and not playing by the rules
• The "mad genius" character whose flaws are arrogance and lack of social skills
• While these flaws can still work if given specificity, they run the risk of feeling stale and predictable

Unique flaw combinations

• One way to avoid cliche is to give characters specific combinations of flaws that create a unique personality profile
• Combine a common flaw with a more unexpected flaw that complicates or contradicts it
• A character who is both highly anxious but also addicted to thrills and takes impulsive risks
• Unique flaw combinations give characters distinct and memorable personalities that stand out from archetypes

Flaws that surprise the audience

• Flaws that go against the audience's initial assumptions about a character based on their role or superficial traits can be particularly effective
• Subvert expectations by giving a character a flaw that contrasts with their projected persona or conflicts with their outward strengths
• The put-together perfect mom character is secretly struggling with addiction behind closed doors
• Surprising flaws add depth and intrigue to characters, pushing the audience to look beyond surface impressions

Transcending archetypical flaws

• Another approach is to start with an archetypical set of flaws associated with a character type but explore them in a new or subversive way
• Take a cliched flaw but unpack the specific reasons why this character embodies it and the unique ways it manifests in their life
• The "workaholic cop" is revealed to be using work to avoid facing a shameful family history that parallels the case they're working on
• Transcending archetypes means using familiar flaws as a starting point but then digging deeper to make them highly specific to the character

Balancing flaws and strengths

• Crafting well-rounded characters in a television pilot requires balancing character flaws with offsetting strengths
• Characters who are defined solely by their flaws without any redeeming qualities can become unlikable or uncompelling for audiences to watch
• Finding the right proportion of strengths to flaws is key to making characters feel layered and fully human

Flaws that humanize characters

• Flaws play an important role in making characters feel accessible and human, especially for characters who might otherwise come across as too perfect or aspirational
• Giving a character whose life seems enviable or whose abilities are extraordinary some grounded flaws makes them more relatable
• A superhero character struggles with crippling self-doubt when they're not saving the world
• Humanizing flaws give the audience a way into a character by showing that they are flawed like everyone else despite their other exceptional qualities

Strengths that counterbalance flaws

• To make a character's flaws palatable, it's important to establish counterbalancing strengths that round out their personality
• A character's strengths can help compensate for their flaws or offer a positive trait for the audience to latch onto
• A character who is a functional alcoholic is also shown to be a brilliant detective who cares deeply about the victims in their cases
• Strengths provide a necessary counterweight to flaws, ensuring that a character's deficits don't completely overshadow their virtues

Flaws that don't undermine strengths

• When choosing flaws, it's important to make sure they don't cancel out or undermine the character's established strengths
• A character's flaws and strengths should be able to coexist without one making the other seem implausible
• If a character is shown to be highly disciplined and morally upright, giving them a secret gambling addiction may feel incongruous
• Flaws that can live alongside strengths without negating them help maintain consistency in characterization

Strengths that compensate for flaws

• An effective way to balance flaws is to choose strengths that directly compensate for them in some way
• Pair a flaw with a strength that allows the character to overcome the deficits of their flaw through an offsetting positive quality
• A character who is overly blunt and tactless in conversation is also extremely observant and able to notice details others miss
• Compensating strengths show how a character is able to manage their flaws and hint at the tools they have to draw on for growth