"Wrathclaw, this is the 12th time you've kidnapped me. You're so powerful, you have to be getting tired of them sending that weakling bard to rescue—"
"...Oh my god, you have a total crush on Hector Windsong, don't you!?"
You’re a rogue with enough gold to last ten lifetimes. But old habits die hard—you sneak through crowds, slipping coins into people’s pockets. The kingdom is buzzing about the mysterious, generous "thief."
A vampire has worked at the local 7-11 for the past 5 decades. No one has the heart to slay them—partly because they're a good employee, but mostly because they think the vampire is doing a "great job" hiding their vampirism (they're really not).
"You don't know me. I'm not the same person anymore."
"That's okay. I'll get to know you again."
Clenched fists and knuckles turning white.
Eyes narrowing to slits, brows furrowed.
Jaw muscles tensing visibly.
Speaking through gritted teeth.
Taking deep, sharp breaths.
Pacing back and forth, unable to stay still.
Pointing a finger accusingly.
Voice raising to a shout or a growl.
Kicking or punching nearby objects.
Lips pressed together in a thin line.
Rapid, agitated movements.
Slamming doors or throwing objects.
Standing with arms crossed tightly.
Glaring intensely without blinking.
Face turning red or flushed.
Breathing heavily and erratically.
Snapping at others for minor things.
Shaking with barely contained rage.
Muttering or growling under their breath.
Eyes blazing with fury.
Usually it’s video games instead of music but this is pretty much accurate hehe
sometimes the best writing advice is "just let it be bad." revolutionary. terrifying. but it works.
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)
Some spins on the "mostly male team with a token woman" trope:
The woman is trans and stayed in her old circle of bros even after transition
The woman is the only one in her circle of "girls" who didn't turn out to be a trans man
When the eldest of the royal children was kidnapped and brought to the ritual table to be the new vessel for the cult's god, they seem oddly fine with it. It was in the middle of the ritual that the eldest royal revealed…
You've been chosen as this decade's sacrifice to the Forest God. Everyone believes the sacrifices are simply eaten. You learned the truth—and know why no one wants to return to the village.
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