in one of my old WIPs:
‘This is about me being aromantic NOT dramatic, in case you forgot your own sexuality’
my younger self was such a sassy bloke lmao
(younger me is me from a few months ago)
I don’t want a job I want a cottage in the woods and paint, read and eat berries
This is why I keep a notebook beside my bed. The issue is that then that idea remains in the notebook until I accidentally re-discover it weeks later. And by then I’m just ‘not feeling it anymore’. One time I actually gave in, sat up and wrote all night. It was glorious.
And then... by the time I wake up... I've FORGOTTEN ALL OF IT.
If you're tired of the usual vices like arrogance or impatience, here are some unique (or at least less basic) character flaws to give your perfect characters:
Pathological Altruism
A character so obsessed with helping others that they end up doing more harm than good. Their inability to let others grow or face consequences creates tension.
2. Moral Narcissism
A character who sees themselves as morally superior to others, constantly justifying selfish or harmful actions because they believe they have the moral high ground.
3. Chronic Self-Sabotage
A character who intentionally undermines their own success, perhaps due to deep-seated feelings of unworthiness, pushing them into frustrating, cyclical failures.
4. Emotional Numbness
Rather than feeling too much, this character feels too little. Their lack of emotional response to critical moments creates isolation and makes it difficult for them to connect with others.
5. Fixation on Legacy
This character is obsessed with how they’ll be remembered after death, often sacrificing present relationships and happiness for a future that’s uncertain.
6. Fear of Irrelevance
A character-driven by the fear that they no longer matter, constantly seeking validation or pursuing extreme measures to stay important in their social or professional circles.
7. Addiction to Novelty
Someone who needs constant newness in their life, whether it’s experiences, relationships, or goals. They may abandon projects, people, or causes once the excitement fades, leaving destruction in their wake.
8. Compulsive Truth-Telling
A character who refuses to lie, even in situations where a lie or omission would be the kinder or more pragmatic choice. This flaw causes unnecessary conflict and social alienation.
9. Over-Identification with Others' Pain
Instead of empathy, this character feels others' pain too intensely, to the point that they can’t function properly in their own life. They’re paralyzed by the suffering of others and fail to act effectively.
10. Reluctant Power
A character who fears their own strength, talent, or influence and is constantly trying to shrink themselves to avoid the responsibility or consequences of wielding it.
Looking for writing tips and tricks to better your manuscript? Check out the rest of Quillology with Haya; a blog dedicated to writing and publishing tips for authors! Instagram Tiktok
PS: This is my first short-form blog post! Lmk if you liked it and want to see more (I already have them scheduled you don't have a choice)
gooodbyee 200 dollars helloo piece of pleastic
Achievement unlocked: become someone’s arch nemesis
Mark the date as October 2024
I thought I was the quippy cerebral scientist type but I think I might just be the small sassy ethnic girl of my canon
omgggg
this is so bad
OHMIGOD TURNS OUT IM NOT FUNNY IM JUST SASSY NO ONE TOLD ME THERE WAS A DIFFERENCE
Everything is going according to plan.
We’re on plan J, but things are going according to it.
the one purpose of a book is to make information easily available, a task which this university-appointed engineering data book fails miserably at accomplishing
(she/her) Generic loves writing but does an engineering degree gal.
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