Creating a relatable character

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 35 views

The Protagonist's Starting Point: A Flaw or Problem that Drives the Story

When it comes to storytelling, the protagonist's starting point is crucial in setting the tone and direction of the narrative. While some may think that a perfect life with no issues or a clear understanding of their needs would make for an interesting story, the truth is that a flaw or problem that holds them back is often the key to creating a compelling and relatable character.

The Importance of a Flaw or Problem

A flaw or problem that holds the protagonist back is essential in creating a story that resonates with readers. It provides a sense of tension and conflict, which are essential elements of a engaging narrative. Without a flaw or problem, the protagonist's journey would be too easy, and the story would lack depth and complexity.

Why a Flaw or Problem is More Engaging

When a protagonist has a flaw or problem, it creates a sense of empathy in the reader. We can all relate to having flaws or problems that hold us back, and this makes the protagonist more relatable and human. Additionally, a flaw or problem provides a sense of motivation for the protagonist to change and grow, which is a key element of character development.

Examples of Protagonists with Flaws or Problems

Many famous stories feature protagonists with flaws or problems that drive the narrative. For example, in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, Harry's scar and his destiny to face Voldemort create a sense of tension and conflict that drives the story. In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet's pride and prejudices create a sense of conflict that must be overcome in order for her to find love and happiness.

The Benefits of a Flaw or Problem

Having a flaw or problem can also benefit the protagonist in the long run. It can create opportunities for growth and development, and it can provide a sense of purpose and direction. For example, in the movie The Shawshank Redemption, the protagonist Andy Dufresne's flaw of being an optimist in a bleak environment creates a sense of hope and redemption that drives the story.

Common Flaws or Problems

Some common flaws or problems that protagonists may have include:

Fear: Fear of failure, fear of rejection, or fear of the unknown can hold a protagonist back and create a sense of tension and conflict.
Doubt: Doubt about one's abilities, doubt about one's choices, or doubt about one's future can create a sense of uncertainty and confusion.
Lack of motivation: A lack of motivation or a lack of direction can hold a protagonist back and create a sense of stagnation.
Emotional baggage: Emotional baggage such as anger, sadness, or guilt can weigh a protagonist down and create a sense of conflict.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a flaw or problem that holds the protagonist back is often the key to creating a compelling and relatable character. It provides a sense of tension and conflict, which are essential elements of a engaging narrative. By having a flaw or problem, the protagonist can create a sense of empathy in the reader, and it can provide a sense of motivation for the protagonist to change and grow.

The Role of the Author

As an author, it's essential to create a protagonist with a flaw or problem that drives the narrative. This can be achieved by:

Creating a relatable character: Make the protagonist relatable by giving them flaws or problems that readers can identify with.
Creating a sense of tension and conflict: Use the protagonist's flaw or problem to create a sense of tension and conflict that drives the story.
Providing opportunities for growth and development: Use the protagonist's flaw or problem to create opportunities for growth and development.

The Benefits of a Flaw or Problem for the Author

Having a protagonist with a flaw or problem can also benefit the author in the long run. It can:

Create a sense of authenticity: A protagonist with a flaw or problem can create a sense of authenticity and realism in the story.
Provide a sense of direction: A protagonist with a flaw or problem can provide a sense of direction and purpose for the story.
Create a sense of tension and conflict: A protagonist with a flaw or problem can create a sense of tension and conflict that drives the story.

Conclusion

In our previous article, we discussed the importance of a flaw or problem that holds the protagonist back in creating a compelling and relatable character. In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions about the protagonist's starting point and how it can drive the story.

Q: What is the difference between a flaw and a problem?

A: A flaw is a character trait or a personality quirk that can hold the protagonist back, while a problem is a specific challenge or obstacle that the protagonist must overcome. For example, a protagonist's fear of failure is a flaw, while their struggle to find a job in a tough economy is a problem.

Q: Why is it important to have a flaw or problem in the protagonist?

A: Having a flaw or problem in the protagonist creates a sense of tension and conflict, which are essential elements of a engaging narrative. It also provides a sense of motivation for the protagonist to change and grow, and it can create a sense of empathy in the reader.

Q: How can I create a relatable protagonist with a flaw or problem?

A: To create a relatable protagonist with a flaw or problem, you can:

Give them universal flaws: Give your protagonist universal flaws that readers can identify with, such as fear, doubt, or lack of motivation.
Make their problem specific: Make their problem specific and relatable, such as struggling to find a job in a tough economy or dealing with a personal loss.
Show their vulnerability: Show your protagonist's vulnerability and weakness, and make them relatable by giving them flaws and problems that readers can identify with.

Q: How can I use the protagonist's flaw or problem to drive the story?

A: To use the protagonist's flaw or problem to drive the story, you can:

Create a sense of tension and conflict: Use the protagonist's flaw or problem to create a sense of tension and conflict that drives the story.
Provide opportunities for growth and development: Use the protagonist's flaw or problem to create opportunities for growth and development, and show how they overcome their flaws and problems.
Make the protagonist's journey meaningful: Make the protagonist's journey meaningful by showing how they overcome their flaws and problems, and how it affects their relationships and personal growth.

Q: How can I balance the protagonist's flaw or problem with their strengths and abilities?

A: To balance the protagonist's flaw or problem with their strengths and abilities, you can:

Give them strengths and abilities that complement their flaws: Give your protagonist strengths and abilities that complement their flaws, such as a fear of failure that motivates them to work harder.
Show their resilience and determination: Show your protagonist's resilience and determination in the face of their flaws and problems, and make them relatable by giving them strengths and abilities that readers can identify with.
Make their flaws and problems a part of their character: Make their flaws and problems a part of their character, and show how they affect their relationships and personal growth.

Q: How can I use the protagonist's flaw or problem to create a sense of authenticity and realism?

A: To use the protagonist's flaw or problem to create a sense of authenticity and realism, you can:

Make their flaws and problems specific and relatable: Make their flaws and problems specific and relatable, such as struggling to find a job in a tough economy or dealing with a personal loss.
Show their vulnerability and weakness: Show your protagonist's vulnerability and weakness, and make them relatable by giving them flaws and problems that readers can identify with.
Make their journey meaningful and impactful: Make their journey meaningful and impactful by showing how they overcome their flaws and problems, and how it affects their relationships and personal growth.

Q: How can I use the protagonist's flaw or problem to create a sense of tension and conflict?

A: To use the protagonist's flaw or problem to create a sense of tension and conflict, you can:

Create a sense of urgency and danger: Create a sense of urgency and danger by making the protagonist's flaw or problem a threat to their safety or well-being.
Make the protagonist's flaw or problem a source of conflict: Make the protagonist's flaw or problem a source of conflict with other characters, and show how it affects their relationships and personal growth.
Use the protagonist's flaw or problem to create a sense of irony: Use the protagonist's flaw or problem to create a sense of irony, such as a fear of failure that leads to a series of failures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a flaw or problem that holds the protagonist back is often the key to creating a compelling and relatable character. By using the protagonist's flaw or problem to drive the story, you can create a sense of tension and conflict, and make the protagonist's journey meaningful and impactful.