Character Contradictions
Greetings and salutations Scribblers!
Today we’re doing more character work and taking a look at how contradictions can add a layer of complexity to your characters.
I know, it sounds weird to say your characters should have conflicting character traits, but if you’ve heard someone say “opposites attract,” then you have a solid base for what I mean. We do often see that in stories. There have been entire films and TV shows based on this concept. The Odd Couple, Perfect Strangers, Grace & Frankie just to name a few. We love watching characters who are polar opposites have to learn to get along, work together, or fall in love.
One reason is it creates natural conflict and tension between the characters. As writers, this is a gold mine for content. It lends itself to misunderstandings, arguments, and my personal favorite, banter. In this video though, we’re going to focus on having conflicting traits in one character rather than in two separate characters. It’s going to help you create internal conflict and tension that’s going to hook your reader and keep them turning the pages.
One of my favorite examples of this is Kaul Hilo from the Green Bone Saga. When we first meet him, our immediate take is that he’s a hot headed fighter who likes to live life fast and loose. But as we go deeper into his point of view, we see the complexities that exist there and how his love and devotion to his family and clan are at odds with his instinct to react violently. The inner conflict is superb and makes for fantastic reading.
If you’re a fan of Hazbin Hotel, then you’re a fan of characters with conflicting character traits. That show takes this principal and goes to town with it. Every single character has conflicting traits that create tension and draws the reader in. Angel Dust adopts his sardonic and sassy personality because it protects him, but he’s also kind and desperate to be seen and appreciated for who he really is. So every time he pushes the other characters away, we see how much it hurts him even though his goal is to protect himself. This is what makes contradictory character traits so fantastic. When they’re done well, the traits are actively working against each other and causing issues for the character.
Another great example is Dallas from The Outsiders. He’s described as being the most hardened criminal within the gang. He’s been arrested, he’s the quickest to turn to violence, but he has the biggest soft spot for Johnny and it completely contradicts the persona he has within the Greasers.
This isn’t the easiest thing to do and it’s going to really take some thought on your part. You can start by listing out traits for your character and then start matching them and thinking through how they could be pitted against each to create interesting tension in your story. Once you have a few ideas, shift your focus to how these conflicting characteristics might fuel the narrative.
Let’s go back to Kaul Hilo for a second. There is a point in book one where his violent reaction has irrevocable consequences for his family and clan. This creates a mountain of inner turmoil as he progresses through the story because he feels responsible for what happened. From a reader's perspective this is so engaging. How will he deal with it? How will it affect future decisions? Watching as Hilo grieves his decision and navigates a way forward is so satisfying. Fonda Lee is a master of writing and I cannot recommend her books enough–read them, study them, you’ll learn so much about the craft.
Back on topic though, these contradictory characteristics have so much potential to really drive your character’s inner journey and growth. And this links back to hooking the reader because of that relatability factor. Most of us have contradictory personality traits and if we take the time to look at them, we can see all sorts of examples of how they cause tension, conflict, and drama in our lives. So when we get to objectively watch someone else go through it, we can relate and we start rooting for that character to come to their senses and realize they are their biggest problem.
In short, being intentional about the characteristics you assign to your character and examining how they can work against each other will help to fuel your creative vision, adding tension, conflict and drama to every page.
As always, your mileage may vary! I’d love to know your favorite character with conflicting traits, so please drop that in a comment below.
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