When making characters for your work, whether it is genre or literary fiction, it is important to give your characters flaws.

This isn’t talked about as much as the concept of “conflict” in the story, but it is just as important.

Yes, there can be external conflict that happens to a practically perfect character. But without flaws their struggle will seem strange and inhuman.

It also doesn’t leave ant room for personal growth, making the character flat and uninteresting.

The flaw can be something simple like not wanting to open up about themselves, or a minor drinking problem. But whatever it is, it needs to hamper them in some way.

It makes your characters relatable and interesting. It makes them feel real.