5 Toxic Traits to Give a Character to Overcome

Hello, fellow storytellers and character creators!

One of the most powerful aspects of writing fiction is the ability to take your characters on transformative journeys.

Whether you’re writing a paranormal romance, a supernatural thriller, or a fantasy adventure, giving your characters toxic traits to overcome can add depth and realism to your story.

Watching characters confront their flaws and grow can make for some of the most compelling narratives, and today, we’re diving into five toxic traits you can give your characters—and how they can overcome them.

Ready to create characters your readers will root for, flaws and all?

Let’s get into it!

 

Stubbornness

We all love a character who’s determined, but what happens when that determination crosses the line into stubbornness? A stubborn character can refuse to see reason, stick to harmful decisions, or push away those who care about them. This trait can create great tension in your story, but it’s also a flaw that can be overcome through personal growth.

How to Overcome It: Let your character’s stubbornness lead them into trouble first. Maybe they refuse help when they need it most, or they stick to a plan that’s clearly failing. Over time, show them learning the value of flexibility and compromise—perhaps by realizing that they can’t always go it alone. Their growth can be a gradual process, reflecting real-life challenges in overcoming this trait.

 

Jealousy

Jealousy is a powerful emotion that can drive characters to do things they wouldn’t normally do—often to their own detriment. Whether it’s jealousy in a romantic relationship, envy of another’s success, or insecurity leading to possessiveness, this toxic trait can cause significant conflict and character development.

How to Overcome It: To help your character overcome jealousy, allow them to face the consequences of their actions first. They might push away a loved one or sabotage their own success. Through these experiences, they can learn to trust more, develop self-confidence, and focus on their own strengths and achievements instead of comparing themselves to others.

 

Arrogance

An arrogant character might start off believing they’re better than everyone else, but this toxic trait often isolates them from others and blinds them to their own weaknesses. While arrogance can give a character an initial air of confidence, it’s also a flaw that can lead to their downfall if left unchecked.

How to Overcome It: Show your character being humbled by circumstances or other characters. Maybe they fail at something they thought they were unbeatable at, or perhaps they’re outsmarted by someone they underestimated. As they realize their arrogance has been holding them back, they can learn the value of humility and start to appreciate the strengths of those around them.

 

Manipulativeness

Manipulative characters might be skilled at getting what they want, but this trait often comes at the cost of genuine relationships and trust. A manipulative character can create drama and tension in your story, but it’s also a trait that they can work to overcome.

How to Overcome It: Let your character’s manipulative behaviour backfire—perhaps they lose someone they care about or find themselves alone when they most need help. Through these experiences, they can start to value honesty and learn that true connection with others comes from being genuine, not from playing games.

 

Fear of Vulnerability

Some characters build walls around themselves, afraid to show weakness or let others in. While this fear of vulnerability can protect them from getting hurt, it also prevents them from forming deep, meaningful relationships. Overcoming this trait can be a powerful arc for a character, especially in genres that deal with intense emotions like paranormal romance.

How to Overcome It: Gradually break down your character’s walls. This could be through a series of events that force them to rely on others, or through a relationship that slowly earns their trust. As they begin to open up, they can discover the strength in vulnerability and the joy of truly connecting with others.

 

Ready to Add Depth to Your Characters?

There you have it—five toxic traits to give your characters, along with ways to help them overcome these flaws.

Characters who grow and change are the ones who stick with readers long after they’ve finished your book.

By allowing your characters to face and conquer their inner demons, you create a story that’s not just entertaining, but also meaningful.

 

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Happy writing,