Cardboard Characters

Hello again! 

This week, we are going to talk about one of my (and probably a lot of others) biggest pet peeves: cardboard characters.  Now, I'm not talking about a standee of Edward Cullen at your local Family Video.  I'm talking about the way writers introduce their characters all the time.

How many times have you begun reading a novel (or script especially) and the first words that describe the main characters are "ruggedly handsome" or "insanely beautiful"?  Writers, I know you want all of your characters to be perfect.  You don't want to EVER think that there could be something wrong with your precious hero or heroine. 

I'm going to let you in on a little secret here people.  Doing this doesn't help your character one bit.  In fact, it actually hurts them more than anything.  Remember the ever-annoying "Barbie Girl" song?  Reality isn't like that.  People aren't perfect.  We all have flaws and our characters should, too.  By gearing them toward perfection right off the bat, you're unconsciously setting them up to fail.

Got that?  Good.

Before I sign off for the week, I want you to do me a favor.  On your next project (or current, if your in the early stages), don't paint your hero or heroine as a prince or princess, make them visually flawed.  Make him A NERDY DORK WITH A MEAN STREAK or THE GIRL NEXT DOOR THAT NO ONE WANTS TO DATE.  Better yet, how about calling your next lead A HALF PAST FUGLY or something like that.  I'm just kidding.  You don't have to go to these extremes but, have fun with it.  Make your characters visually flawed as well as emotionally thawed. 

Have fun with it.  Be realistic.  In the end, your readers and your characters will thank you for it.

Until then - write on!