Does Your Main Character Suck?

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The main character of your novel is one the most important elements in your story. You likely know this character inside and out, but translating what’s in your head to the page can be a challenge, and it can be difficult to determine if your main character is coming across as you intend. You might be asking yourself if your protagonist is as strong and compelling as you feel they are, or if they are falling flat from the reader's perspective. To help you assess the effectiveness of your protagonist, in this video I go over some common issues with writing strong main characters.
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MORE WRITING RESOURCES:
How to Write a Flashback: Dos and Don'ts: • How to Write a Flashba...
How to Write Realistic Characters: • How to Write Realistic...
The Secret to Writing Likeable Characters: • The Secret to Writing ...
COMMON MAIN CHARACTER MISTAKES:
02:13 - Their objectives are unclear
05:48 - They lack agency
07:08 - Their backstory is underdeveloped
09:17 - Their emotions are suppressed
11:27 - They feel faceless
ABOUT ME:
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with 7+ years of book publishing and editorial experience. Throughout my career, I’ve held editorial roles across both sides of the publishing industry: Big Five publishing houses and literary agencies. The goal of this channel is to help writers throughout the book writing journey-whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.
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27 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 96

@whitneylivingston5706 Год назад

When I got my manuscript back from my editor her exact words were “I loved the characters as well. I usually don’t like the main characters as much but I loved K’s character. I was cheering him on the whole way through.” Whenever I read back through my manuscript I still love my characters. He’s well rounded, flawed and has an attitude problem sometimes.

@carlajenkins1990 Год назад

What do you mean by flawed? That is the standard reply--but it is too vague as a point of character construction. By flawed, do you mean a speech impediment for which the MC takes therapy? Or a major personality disorder? Unless you are writing a tragedy, you need to do several rewrites. Just making your MC save a cat or having a tragic backstory is not enough.

@whitneylivingston5706 Год назад

@@carlajenkins1990 flawed meaning not perfect. He’s not a perfect person that never makes a mistake. He talks back to his parents, fights with his brother. I can’t stand a main character who can do no wrong, they don’t seem real. My main character is not perfect, just like the rest of us.

@syedarizvi7290 Год назад

@whitneylivingstone Sounds like you did a great job! Congrats! Is your story published? What's the name?

@whitneylivingston5706 Год назад

@@syedarizvi7290 it will be available in August of 2023. It’s called The Road To Nowhere published under the pen name LaRae L Ivy. I am currently working with some artists for a map, cover art, audiobook narrations. I’m also doing a lot of research on marketing, reviews, and book awards.

@syedarizvi7290 Год назад

@@whitneylivingston5706 so cool man! Congrats! Please do share your enthusiasm with me if you want to, I'd love to hear about it! How do you feel that you're book is gonna go out in the world?

@ZoesWeirdThoughts Год назад

I try to meet my main characters before I start writing their book but they always surprise me. Once I actually start writing them their never quite how I thought they would be.

@lukesmith1818 Год назад

My character had his father die when he was young. He had to take up the role of patriarch. He views his family as a drain and seeks to make a life separate from them with his fiancee. She wants the high life and he feels unworthy of her which leads him to take huge risks

@DavidJamesHenry Год назад

Your point at 6:00 also works to figure out if perhaps your first person story isn't told from the main character's perspective. In the Sherlock Holmes books, Watson is the POV narrator, but Holmes is the main character. It's useful because we don't want to be told Holmes' thought process, we want to figure it out ourselves. So Watson, as a sidekick, is a perfect narrator. Holmes gives us clues as he investigates but it's up to us to figure out his thoughts.

@AlyssaMatesic Год назад

Great example!

@rowan7929 Год назад

I set up my characters first before I write. This helps me to make up the scenes better. For my latest work, my beta told me the characters were really well written. How much she loved them and how much she hated the antagonist. This was really nice to hear that it comes over so well. This would be my advice to others. Think how your character would think/behave. How they would react in set situation. Be them. That's how I do it.

@AlyssaMatesic Год назад

Well put, Rowan!

@glowingunknown5625 Год назад

That's so awesome you have a fish giving you critique.

@uncleanunicorn4571 Год назад

My main character has several distinguishing quirks, but I worry my side character has a more compelling story objective.

@lindarockower6028 10 месяцев назад

I like to write using the main character as the narrator, but I'm super mindful about not info-dumping. The MC still must be revealed thru the story & the events change the MC as we go.

@billharm6006 Год назад

Hmmm. Partner doing all the investigating and then reporting back to the main character. Sounds like Nero Wolfe with his sidekick Archie Goodwin. Worked for Rex Stout. There always seems to be the exception.

@Redskirt Год назад

I loved those novels, read them over thirty years ago. They helped me make a short movie about a detective - "Nick Blade" lol

@cjpreach Год назад

My Main Character's objective develops from one level to the next. All of his early goals are consistent with his final goal. I just need to show the connections effectively. RE: Suppressed Emotions, I was crying as I wrote the final chapter of my first draft (as was my MC).

@AlyssaMatesic Год назад

What an amazing writing experience!

@BudsCartoon 4 месяца назад

"Directionless." That describes my character's life. I'm hoping with all her real life characters and incidents, that I'm good enough to string and twist a great story into it. Writing "based on non-fiction" is tough, like writing with slalom poles that you have to stay between.

@adamhenrysears3288 Год назад

The idea of giving your characters agency should not override the story arc in which everything up to and including the inciting incident and the midpoint crisis should feel less controlled. In the beginning things should happen that are out of the MC's control, and the plot should be almost thrust upon them. They may still choose it, or not, but the first half of the story should be mostly reactions. After the midpoint, the character's own motives and drive should be what makes the rest of the story happen. Choosing the inciting incident can involve the main antagonist, or hint at the story behind the characters.

@DonnaBlack-pu1ip Год назад

Truly instructive. Excuse me while I return to WIP to clarify my MC...

@TheEccentricRaven 5 месяцев назад

I like how you mention that a character can change objectives. In my WIP, my MC Justin begins with the goal that he believes will give him happiness, but he develops other goals along the way. I'm trying to keep them coherent. I think I've found that all of his objectives relate to him proving his sanity, controlling his life, and helping others be happy just as he wants to be happy.

@truthbetold444 Год назад

I would say this is actually one of your best videos - some of what you said made me suspect that my whole book might be rubbish - but I would still say it was quite helpful.

@AlyssaMatesic Год назад

Hopefully some editing and restructuring can turn things around!

@toddl3232 Год назад

One of my MCs originally suffered form most of the problems you cite, while the characters around him were well developed, complex, etc. It took some major rewrites to get him up to par with the rest, but totally worth it. Thanks as always for the video!

@joshjacksonbooks Год назад

I built MBTI character profiles for my main characters. It's been very helpful in helping me flesh them out and make their actions and decisions consistent.

@Dani_77709 Год назад

What I realised is that I need to have a set theme for a character. Through that it just clicks for me what's their motivation, just their whole character arc in general really. Two characters can have the theme of grief and healing from it, but obviously both will be different and for me it's so exciting exploring both of these versions. Now I haven’t given anyone to read my draft yet so idk how well I'm portraying what I'm going for.

@AlyssaMatesic Год назад

That's a great way to conceptualize your characters! Thanks for sharing :)

@tracyshawn2349 11 месяцев назад

Thank you! I’m working on my third novel (about 53,000 words in) and after listening to this episode, I was reminded to sharpen my protagonist’s objective-as well as make her more interesting!

@franknsteiner2575 Год назад

Exceptional video. Extremely insightful. My protagonist's weakness is fashion. Not as typical as Kryptonite, but it puts her situations where she can grow ..., or get better clothing.

@jayydickerson2891 11 месяцев назад

My main charecter on the psychological thriller i am currently working on has an interesting personality. He can be a kind and softhearted person one moment, and out of nowhere shifts into a very blunt and seemingly emotionless individual. He often makes comments that are inapropriate to a situation such as joking that his bosses recently deceased wife can finally catch a break, and hes envious of her peace of mind. He can not seem to carry interpersonal relationships, and struggles desperately to grasp reality

@rebeccadey Год назад

My main character is deeply traumatized from her past, and this flavors every single thing she does. She is suspicious and somewhat judgmental. She fears being seen in multiple ways and does her best to ghost through the world at first. She can be volatile and defensive. She believes she is cursed -- and this plays directly into her fears of being seen. She is also fiercely adamant about protecting Innocents or righting injustices, however, trying to stop others from ending up as she did and trying to prove she can do good despite her "cursed" life. A quick note on agency. I think it's good to mention that it's okay if things happen to the character, that sometimes they are robbed of agency by events in the story. But it is how they react that makes the difference. Plus, if the story is about someone finding themselves, or confidence and inner agency, it should be made clear they are struggling with this, and that by the end of their arc they have at least taken the leap toward being a more confident person. Agency doesn't have to mean your character must be good or great at everything straight off, or that they're a type A personality -- just that there is something in them that will rise when they're confronted by unavoidable conditions or something they are passionate about. It's about them trying, even if they have no choice.

@AlyssaMatesic Год назад

I love your addition on character agency!

@danhoyles 11 месяцев назад

Be nice to see follow up on this topic with first person, third parson...etc different point of views mixed in...

@natnickelton2663 Год назад

Great tips! Thank you so much!

@absolutelycitron1580 Месяц назад

Oooof ya I need to show way more backstory. Probably a little more visible emotion would be good as well

@AdenThinksNonsense Год назад

I’d say if you want to make a full backstory, I’d then suggest making a sequel to the book

@MariJadeWrites Год назад

Thank you for the video, it's very helpful ☺️

@rishikajhamb1111 Год назад

Great info! Both reassuring and eye-opening. Thanks, Alyssa!

@cprat371 3 месяца назад

So helpful!

@gokux75 Год назад

I recently discovered your videos and they have been very helpful. This video was helpful in assuring me that my characters definitely do not suck.

@AFringedGentian Год назад

This really bolstered my confidence in my #amquerying novel, Alyssa, thank you so much. Characterization is my strong suit; I’m currently focusing on strengthening my world building, which is not my strong suit.

@AlyssaMatesic Год назад

Best of luck with the world building, Ruth!

@adavis5926 Год назад

Last night I watched a Netflix movie (Lou) that had the cringiest backstory developed in the most artificial way to create tension. I was two-thirds into the movie and ready to turn it off for various reasons, when the reveal made me want to upchuck, it was so clumsy. I did much the same on the first draft of my novel, mainly because I was still working out the character's backstory and his motivations at the same time while I was writing it. I had a hazy notion of both and thus I kept both too mysterious too late in the book. I realized I needed to trowel in bits and pieces of his backstory much earlier instead of having a surprise reveal that illuminated his backstory-motivation all at once.

@andyclark3530 Год назад

Alyssa, another great video and I like the throw pillow. I’ll have to get one with my name, though in my case it would be as a memory aid rather than for promotion. My MC does have quirks and definitely a mixture of flaws and strengths. Much of these surface in her interactions with other characters as she evolves from being selfish into a broader perspective, denying and fighting the change at every turn.

@victorbryan5482 Год назад

My main character starts out as arrogant and unable to emotionally connect with mortals. He also loves someone who doesn't love him, while dismissing those who do. By the end of his character arc he's completely different.

@thelaziestbee Год назад

Oh, I already connected with your character!! Relatable AF. I'm serious.

@anngrace5050 Год назад

Another helpful video! Thank you!

@AlyssaMatesic Год назад

Glad it was helpful!

@MalcolmTorres1 26 дней назад

Thank you! This video does a great job of presenting the best practices for creating sturdy main characters. I’ve read so many books and watched tons of videos on character creation, but your video really boils it down to the “must have” elements needed to bring main characters to life on the page.

@jkbattaglia5192 Год назад

Great video, Alyssa! As are all your videos! Using your advice in many places for sure!

@AlyssaMatesic Год назад

I'm glad they help!

@NC-dw1ir 10 месяцев назад

My sister told me she liked the deuteragonist better, a beta-reader told me he liked the protagonist better and a friend from work told me he liked one of the supporting characters and her familiar better. Is that good?

@UndyingSpartan Год назад

Thanks for the great insight! I've been worried about my two main characters coming off as boring or unlikeable but it turns out that, by following my natural instincts, I've already given them depth and details in the way that you described throughout the video. So that's a huge relief, haha. 😅

@AlyssaMatesic Год назад

That's great to hear!

@TheSlickmicks Год назад

I recommend Campfire to my daughter who's in a screenwriting class. It is a great program.

@RedGallardo 10 месяцев назад

It's often ok to have a character without a strong goal. Take One-punch Man. He lives his life. It's fun to watch him. Or Heavenly Nostrils, it's strips of fun moments and jokes. Ok, fine, books. Diana Wynne Jones' trilogy barely reveals any major goals. Characters just face problems and solve them. And the story is woven step by step, not as straight-forward as Hobbit's "go kill the dragon". Harry Potter doesn't know about his main goal for several books. So the goal of "just living on" isn't that uncommon. Most people do that. Few have this huge aim like finishing a grand book or becoming a CEO or climbing Mt. Everest. Most just want to have a fun and\or diverse life. The whole story better have something achieved by the end but a main character shouldn't necessarily have a powerful motivation. These motivations are mostly predictable because there are few. Like, these 7 major plot types. Become strong, do something big, defeat a foe, solve a puzzle, return what's lost or obtain something desired. Not much else anyone could wish for. Literally no plot is that exciting in 2023. Try to impress me with originality. I dare you. =P I guess it's best to focus on details and your potential audience preferences. People like what they know.

@coreyloucks4865 2 месяца назад

What if they are a Machiavellian type character that doesn’t reveal his desire until he gets it? Possibly a liar, so always telling others something different. Like the joker in Batman the dark knight.

@michaelperrigo 7 месяцев назад

You forgot to mention that in the first half of the heroes journey, it's completely normal for the protagonist to be reactive, while in the second half they're active.

@BudsCartoon 4 месяца назад

3:40 - What if a character, a great character with a lot of personality, etc, lives a "I came from nothing, I should be dead, sky's the limit" mantra, say, Tony Montana aka Scarface? Now I know Scarface isn't exactly an American literary masterpiece, hell it's not even a book, but it has arguably the most beloved and famous anti-hero of our era. What was his goal? Well, he said it. "I want the world chico, and everything in it." A very vague goal, but the "story" endured. My work is nothing like Scarface, but I often reference it in regard to 'how to make an anti-hero likable.' and in regard to 'is a story good enough to tell with a strong character and a vague goal.' In my case I have a few storylines that I'll have no problem tying in and tying up, but no big bang storyline(medium bang maybe) OUTSIDE of my story being bookended by my main character's murder trial 15 years later... Where her hidden past is revealed. (true story). And her past is F'ing amazing! No one knows this story and it needs to be heard.

@uncleanunicorn4571 Год назад

I am worried my Texan alien hybrid character may have a more compelling personal interest than my main character. I'll work on it.

@dinagamelas Год назад

My main character is impulsive, makes some really bad decisions and is seeking redemption.

@floogelhornzzz4770 7 месяцев назад

Yes, he does suck: I'm writing about Dracula! 🧛‍♂ 🦇 "Bleah, bleah."

@frankfreelymejailer1505 25 дней назад

Hmm. I can see adding 20,000 more words to a book now. I guess the book isn’t finished yet.

@skabettispaghetti5451 Год назад

Would you be willing to go through a typical query and answer some questions I (and others) have? For example, when an agent asks for "sample" chapters, can I pick and choose any I want to send, such as the denouement? Or should they be the first few? What is the format for sending chapters? Double-spaced block text? "The first ten pages of the book usually end mid-sentence. Is this a no-no? If I include my bio in my query, should I repeat it in the field where they ask for my bio, or cut and paste it, or keep it i the query and add more? Queries carry so much weight, I'm feeling frozen about this stuff. Thanks!

@ulla7378 Год назад

The second point is something I know I need to look more carefully after I start to edit my WIP. The main characters in my story have a ruler-subject relationship and on certain type of events it's hard to justify the ruler/boss taking action themselves. It would be unbelievable (and I didn't want to write yet another monarch who behaves more like a common rogue). Just have to make sure there is of enough other kinds of action for her to take.

@MariaMilenovasArt 10 месяцев назад

To make a character more real, give the character flaws to balance their virtues.

@sicilyny5375 Месяц назад

Ok..sounds crazy..but each character comes to me..I write out everything about them..their story Then I either change them or be sure to keep them in character as a character. My main character is Always..someone I pulled parts from I know..or a compilation of a few people morphed into one.

@shaccooper Год назад

Do you have any videos that provide specific examples?

@Monavassia Год назад

I have signed up for the story self-assessment twice and it has not arrived. Any suggestions?

@BudsCartoon 4 месяца назад

Does my character suck? Yes my character sucks, she got arrested 500 times in one year (true story). The hard part is making her a bit likable. LOL

@thatguyfromcetialphaV Год назад

If you create a super hyped character he or she won't develop. The two main guys in my stories one goes from being a bit of a knucklehead womaniser to being a family man who can analyse whike the other goes from being an agent to running the agency by the end.

@danwylie-sears1134 Год назад

I hate the current obsession with having characters be "flawed", i.e. horrible. Just because you _do_ a bad thing, that doesn't mean you _are_ an interesting character.

@honzo1078 Год назад

Did you seriously just dump on Arthur Conan Doyle?

@andresvillavicencio506 8 месяцев назад

in HarryPotter 1, what was his main objective, his goal, drive ? He has no idea who he is or what he's up to.... At which point in the story does his goal become clear?

@brigittegerlach Год назад

Thanks for the great tips. My main character is the outsider and the other woman invading a marriage. At least at the start of the novel. Problem is that in act one, she's going through the inciting incident and for three chapters she's just on the run. And all that remains for a while is fear and the wish to save her own ass. It feels too much like I wrote two entirely different novels. Huh. Any tips?

@thelaziestbee Год назад

Oh I like the theme! You could involve a character from part one into the second?

@brigittegerlach Год назад

@@thelaziestbee She's on the run alone, fearing inquisition

@thelaziestbee Год назад

@@brigittegerlach I'm almost intrigued about your novel now )

@brigittegerlach Год назад

@@thelaziestbee Thank you. Still working on nthe male experience part of it...will get it done latest end of March. Set myself a deadline now.

@thelaziestbee Год назад

@@brigittegerlach can I ask how long you worked on yours altogether?