All characters have flaws, it’s part of what makes them interesting and relatable. But exploring those flaws can sometimes be tricky, especially when the character is supposed to be a hero. I made this little questionnaire to help me explore some flaws in my own characters. Feel free to use it if you think you’ll find it helpful!
Most of the questions should have some kind of answer, no matter whether it’s as horrible as “they murdered five thousand people in cold blood” or as tiny as “they forgot to return a library book that one time.”
Fill out all the answers or do it as an ask meme, whichever you prefer! (Please, remember to use trigger warnings for the more violent or upsetting stuff.)
What makes your character angry or upset?
What makes your character lose their patience with someone else?
What do they do when they get angry, hurt, or upset, and snap?
When has their curiosity or thoughtlessness lead them to intruding over another’s boundries?
When trying to relate to other people, what does your character find difficult to understand?
Does your character have any prejudices?
When have they totally failed to think of another person’s needs?
What’s the most inappropriate thing they’ve ever done (whether by accident or deliberately) and why?
When have they put their own goals above the safety, happiness, or general wellbeing of others?
Who have they hurt, and how/why? Were they sorry for what they did?
What’s the worst thing they’ve done out of frustration or a bad temper?
What’s the worst thing they’ve done out of pure malice or hatred?
Regardless of whether they would actually act on it… what type of angry, violent, disturbing or vengeful thoughts does your character have?
What crimes or bad deeds has your character committed?
What are some of their worst habits?
What’s the most selfish thing they’ve ever done?
What lies or dishonest/misleading comments have they told? (Including “white lies” to spare someone’s feelings.) Have they ever withheld the truth?
What’s the most violent thing they ever did?
What might tempt them to go against their own moral code?
What do they feel sorry for? What do they regret the most?
What’s the stupidest mistake they ever made?
Why did they split up with their last romantic partner (if applicable)
What made them end a friendship? (if applicable)
What’s the worst thing they’ve said or done to a family member?
and finally…
What are they doing, if anything, to make themselves a better person?
