In a new post, Kristen Lamb suggests ways to help your protagonist stand out from the crowd. “The hero is the final product forged in the fires of adversity,” she says. This might seem obvious to everyone who hasn’t tried to write a novel. When you’re new, though? You’re insecure.”
New writers often believe their protagonist has to be perfect to be likable. They create main characters who are practically perfect in every way. Unfortunately, most people find this boring. Instead, Lamb says we need to start with a diamond in the rough.
Start with a character’s weaknesses and figure out how they need to grow through your story. “The ideal story problem won’t have the MC operating in her strengths, rather it will have hit her right in her soft spots,” Lamb says. “This will give only two options: change and grow stronger or collect allies to buttress areas of weakness.”
A character’s emotional wounds will also add depth and obstacles. “All of us have been hurt and, when put under pressure, these are the weak seams most likely to burst,” Lamb notes. Rejection, guilt, and shame are common, relatable wounds your character might need to live with or overcome.
Another weakness is your hero’s blind spot, which likely arises from their emotional wounds and weaknesses. In other words, your hero isn’t aware of their weaknesses, because they aren’t being tested. That’s where you come in! “This is the point of the story problem,” Lamb says. “It reveals weaknesses and wounds that LOOOVE to hide in the blind spot.” These blind spots also can make your character overconfident, because they are actually less strong than they think.
“In the end, we all love to make our characters larger than life, cool and kick@$$ in every way. Don’t let me stop you. We still can!” Lamb says. “Just keep in mind that layering a healthy dose of flaws, wounds and blindspots can elevate a story from meh to magical.”
