they’re all a little dumb, and all in very consistent and well-written ways. it’s one of the things that makes these characters such an excellent ensemble cast!
if there’s anything I love more than a blorbo it’s a whole group of blorbos so OP I apologize for going on a whole ramble on your post but you activated my Writing Appreciation Trap Card so I gotta ramble.
the thing about writing a cast of characters — in a comedy, yes, but even more especially in a drama — is that they all need to be a little dumb sometimes. the thing that makes a cast of characters really great is when the ways that they’re a little dumb are varied and reflective of the character’s personality traits.
Inuyasha is excellent in this respect! every character is a little dumb:
Rin is kind-hearted, young, and full of whimsy. these are the traits we love about her! these characteristics mean that she idealizes others and reaches out to people that a more savvy character would distrust. it also means that she is prone to occasionally walking headfirst into danger, with full confidence that whoever she’s currently focusing her Absolute Faith Beam on will step up… despite any and all evidence to the contrary.
Sango, meanwhile, is focused, selfless, and romantic. these are, again, the traits that we love about her. they mean that she keeps calm in the midst of chaos, that she’s intuitive and observant toward her loved ones, and that she prioritizes their wellbeing over her own. those same characteristics mean that she can tunnel-vision herself straight into whatever solution seems immediately best for her loved ones, no matter how much it costs her — she’ll die for them, she’ll die with them, she’ll kill for them, she’ll even end their suffering with her own hands.
good character writing means every trait is a delicious double-edged sword:
youthful whimsy is also youthful foolishness
always seeing the best in others also means being blind to their flaws
a romantic heart is also prone to melodrama
profound selflessness is also a tendency to self-sacrifice (and self-flagelate)
a relentless pursuit of joy in dismal times is also a lack of self-control in that pursuit
the strength of will necessary to change the world is also the stubborn unwillingness to change oneself
a willingness to punch above one’s weight class is also a tendency to bite off more than one can chew
inclined to shoulder responsibility is also disinclined to relinquish control
if a writer won’t let a character be a little dumb, they aren’t committed to fully exploring that character.
to be honest, Rin a little dumb.
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