Writing more realistically (*very minor spoilers for ‘V for Vendetta’*)
‘Realistic’ can be a pretty subjective word in writing, but I just wanted to say:
Something I want to see more of is blurring the lines in character’s morality. I do know that this isn’t universally applicable--given that some characters are intentionally 2-dimensional for plot reasons--but it can facilitate crafting of the much debated anti-hero, anti villain, and morally grey archetypes.
Recently I have been reading an incredible comic called ‘V for Vendetta’, which I believe masterfully executed the complexities of humankind. In the book, V, an anti-hero who commits several acts of violence in the first 20 pages, is permitted a sense of humor and soft spot for Evey. What is so special about this is that the authors manage to use these small quirks V has to further express the brutality of what V must do to achieve his goals. Although he is by definition (however correct his views are) a terrorist, this does not stop him from treating Evey with respect (gasp! an edgy character who doesn’t abuse his friends?? what a thought) and even reading her bedtime stories.
The same goes for the more virtuous breed of characters. Although I know not everyone likes coffee, there is a reason coffee and doughnuts are marketed together! Everyone loves the ‘cinnamon-roll’ character, but eventually their unwavering innocence and fluffy optimism can grow stale. This is where I think it is important for them to diverge ever so slightly. Let them finally snap under pressure or seek solace in other characters.
The fluid transition from sweet to bitter (as per my food example) allows for the more complex notes of both the pastry and the drink to be shown.
They are still the same character, but allowing for them to have a moral panic or ironic values only enhances what they already had!