Are perfect characters interesting to read or write? Nika Dixon doesn't think so. She says to:
"Keep it Real
We all know everyone has flaws.
So why do many writers insist on creating their fictional worlds centered around ‘perfect’ characters? Sexy hero and heroine’s who are absolutely perfect in every way? Beautiful blondes with flawless complexions, or strapping heroes with buff bodies and hairless chests. They have no bad habits and no vices. Their accuracy is dead on target, and they’re sensual masters in the bedroom.
If life were truly like that, we’d never have another bad hair day again!
Research, reading, seminars, reviews and critiques all have one constant message when it comes to creating characters:
Keep it real.
There’s nothing worse than finding yourself being compared to someone else; especially if that person exceeds expectations. No one likes a little miss perfect. So why would we want to read about one?
One of the things I love most about reading is finding an author who has the ability to make me fall in love with the characters, and the characters I love most are the ones who have to struggle to compete against life in general. It’s hard to love someone who’s perfect—especially when it comes to romance.
Romance stories, no matter what genre they fall into, always have a happy ending. We know this. Yet we still read. Why?
The journey.
Reading about a perfect couple having a perfect romance has no draw. There’s no reality. Nothing to make us say ‘that could be me’. Where’s the caffeine addicted hero who can’t form a two-syllable word until he’s had his third cup of coffee? Or the heroine who can’t eat something as simple as a peanut without spilling it on the front of her top?
Many readers will tell you they want to lose themselves in the story. They want the draw of the romance. They need to struggle along with the hero and heroine as the characters come to terms with what the reader has known all along…they belong together. We know they get there…what we want to know is how. How do they overcome the odds? How do they solve the mystery? How do they wade through the sea of doubt and challenge to get to the rainbow we all know comes at the end? If there were no challenges, no hurdles, the story would be a two page description of Mr. Perfect meeting Miss Perfect so they could live happy ever after.
As a writer, the key is to make sure you provide your characters with flaws that are believable, and the best place to start is your own life.
For example, lets say you have a character who you would like to show as completely annoying. What is the best way to find the appropriate characteristic to define that flaw?
Actually, it’s quite easy! Just start with someone who annoys you personally. A co-worker. A family friend. A next door neighbour. What is it about them that drives you up the wall? Do they tap their feet? Chew with their mouth open? Constantly snap their fingers? If you can apply that to your character, you’ll have a real life flaw your readers can easily associate with.
Remember: the only perfect in your story should be the fact that the hero and heroine are perfect for each other."
Visit Nika at her website www.nikadixon.com
You can purchase Second Chances at Amazon
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