No one is perfect. We all have flaws. Actually, if you ask my mother, you will learn that I’m ninety-seven percent flaws, and only three percent perfection. Then again, my mother can destroy the self esteem of a narcissist with her constant criticism so she might be a little wrong on her calculations. Some of my flaws that annoy people are:
I bite my nails. I also chew ice cubes. Both sounds can drive a person insane.
I procrastinate. That’s why I never get what I need to done.
I tune out conversations. Just the other day my husband and I were talking and for the life of me I don’t know what about. I was bored with the conversation within the first few minutes (and my husband is a talker) so I tuned it out. Now, he says “did you do it yet? You know, you said you’ll do this. . .” Yeah, I have no idea what he’s talking about. I probably just nodded my head or said “uh-um”.
I have a lot more flaws, but I’ll stop at that and name some flaws that my family has.
My hubby will NEVER admit to being wrong. Even when he is, he will fight with me and argue rather than just admit fault.
My mother, she has a bucket full of flaws, but the one that drives me crazy the most is that she thinks she’s perfect. Even if I do name a flaw in her, she has some excuse as to why it’s not a flaw. Yeah, it’s funny to see her defend her always criticizing everyone, nagging, always asking for help about everything, ect.
A friend of mine is a rule follower. She has probably never, ever broken a rule. Not even a small one. She claims it’s an asset but in my book, that’s the most boring flaw someone can have.
So here’s the thing. With all the character flaws out there, why are so many authors still writing perfect characters and using fake flaws. I’ve read many books where the author tried to use the “she loves everyone too much, and so that hurts her sometimes” as a flaw. That’s not a realistic flaw. Even if you do know someone who loved too blindly, I’m sure they have some other flaws that make them a lot more interesting. I want to see a fictional character who is truly flawed.
So, what are some of your flaws?
I read a lot of blogs, but you consistently have some of the best topics.
ReplyDeleteOne of my (many) flaws is that I will keep working long past my expiration date. :)
On the surface that may seem like a good thing, but quite the opposite. I could have saved my poor body if I listened to it more and rested when I should. I'm paying for that pigheaded now.
As a like-minded friend of mine says: The body is ruined, but boy do we have great stories to tell on how we did it.
Great post.
ReplyDeleteI've yet to meet someone who loves "everyone" IRL. I love using the Emotional Toolbox to help build those character flaws.
I agree that conveniently flawed characters are the most common in books today. Readers can usually spot them from a mile away.
ReplyDeleteMy personal flaws are too many to mention here but one of mine is that I have a difficult time enjoying the moment. I always want to get to the next place. It's a sickness.
Great post, Angelina!
Yes, let them be human ... if they are human. :) And just because they are usually honest, doesn't mean anyone is honest 100% of the time.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog.
ReplyDeleteThe man who makes no mistakes do not usually make anything- anonymous
www.ruthietootie.blogspot.com- a follower
I agree. You can't have an character evolution without flaws and in my book, the bigger, the better!
ReplyDeleteMine are too numerous to mention.
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit tuner-outer. It ain't good, for sure! Mr TR tends to be a bit of long-way-round talker, and sometimes I can't stand the prologue before the actual answer! :)
ReplyDeleteOops - BIG tuner-outer. Not BIT. Sorry!
ReplyDelete