Let’s talk about indulgences. An indulgence is defined as the act of allowing oneself to enjoy a particular pleasure. Sometimes they’re harmless, like having a bowl of ice cream while curling up to a movie. Other times, not so much. Going gambling with your rent money is not exactly harmless. Regardless, though, everyone does it in one way or another, regardless of whether your coke habit involves drinking or inhaling. Vice is an inherent part of the human experience. It’s a weakness, sure, but everybody has at least one. It’s part of what makes you you.
Vices are also a part of what makes a character interesting. No one wants to read about someone that’s perfect in every way. A well-rounded character should have flaws, because it makes them more believable. Sherlock Holmes, for all of his intellect and cunning, still had a soft spot for opiates and intelligent women. No character is without their shortcomings, and, honestly, I would get bored reading a character without any.
The tricky part while writing is to incorporate these less than savory aspects of a character without it defining them. Everyone knows that one guy that leers at any pretty girl that comes by. No words, just that awkward stare that lasts a little too long. People make a point of avoiding him, because that one behavior is enough to make a bad impression. A weakness for pretty women is perfectly fine. Hell, I’m guilty of that. But it’s not fine when that’s all the character seems to care about.
A great example of flawed heroes are the two main characters from Road to El Dorado, Miguel and Tulio. Their entire adventure was set into motion thanks to gambling, and they blatantly cheated when they did it. They were perfectly happy to let an entire city believe they were gods so they could enjoy a life of luxury and riches. By all accounts, these two are not good guys in any sense of the phrase. What made them good was seeing them grow, and letting their conscience get the best of them. Their bad habits gave them an obstacle to overcome. The evil high priest may have been the antagonist of the story, but there was just as much a fight within themselves. The traditional hero’s quest is just as much about fighting the monsters on the inside as it is fighting the monsters on the outside.
Don’t be afraid to give your character flaws. It makes your character more fun to write, and will definitely make them more fun to read. The lovable rogue is lovable for a reason. Han Solo may have been a self-serving jerk, but that’s what made his decision to throw in with the rebels all the more meaningful. It means more to do the right thing when you make a habit of doing the opposite. So don’t be afraid. It’ll all come out okay in the end.
Trope Alert! 