Building Imperfectly Perfect Characters: Understanding Flaws and Growth

Part of the series “Writing a Book from Start to Finish”

By J.E. Nickerson | Wise Thinkers Help Desk

Character Growth and Struggles: The Heart of Compelling Stories

Life has a way of changing us. From the moment we’re born, our character arc is never just about becoming an adult — it’s also an internal process of emotional and mental growth. When you write great fiction, you need to capture that sense of life changes too. Think about the growth your characters will go through over the course of your book or series.

Every great story thrives on characters who grow. They don’t stand still; they change, evolve, and face struggles that shape them. Character growth is what pulls readers in — it’s the emotional journey that makes a story memorable.

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Why Character Growth Matters

Characters who evolve keep readers hooked because they feel real. When readers see a character overcome struggles, learn lessons, or shift their perspective, they connect deeply with those characters. It’s like watching a friend navigate life’s challenges — messy, uncertain, but authentic. Readers also recognize their own journeys in the choices these characters make.

Without growth, characters risk feeling flat or predictable. They become statues in the story, not living, breathing people. Think about the movies you’ve seen where the characters felt detached from the plot — almost like they were just observing the story. That’s what happens when characters don’t grow as the story progresses.

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The Role of Struggles in Growth

Struggles are the catalysts for change. These aren’t just physical obstacles, but also internal battles — doubts, fears, failures, and tough choices. A character’s struggle reveals who they really are and tests their limits.

If you’re looking for a way to create growth, one of the most powerful tools is to disrupt your character’s routine. Something in the story has to challenge their beliefs or force them to do things differently for real change to occur.

Take my book A Horse Named Eddie, for example. Eddie, the horse, believes that life outside his owner’s corral is far more exciting. So, he embarks on a grand adventure that takes him through pastures, into unfamiliar places, and into dangerous situations with other animals. Through these challenges, he eventually realizes that life under the care of his owner is much better than what he had imagined beyond the protective boundaries of the farm.

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How to Show Character Growth and Struggles

1. Start with a clear baseline.

Show who your character is at the start — their beliefs, flaws, and desires. Let readers see these qualities in action as the character interacts with the story world. Avoid relying only on backstory to explain this; backstory can feel impersonal if overused and may slow the pace.

2. Introduce meaningful conflict.

What challenges force your character to confront their weaknesses? This conflict must tie into their deeper motivations — the “why” behind their actions. Make sure the stakes are high enough that they can’t go back to who they were before.

3. Reveal internal change.

Show gradual shifts in mindset, emotions, or priorities as your character responds to struggles. Real growth doesn’t happen overnight; let this process unfold naturally throughout the story.

4. Avoid instant transformations.

Growth feels more authentic when it’s imperfect. Readers want to see the messy process — setbacks and relapses. Think about someone breaking a habit or moving on after a difficult relationship. In real life, people rarely change instantly, and even when they do change, they still wrestle with their past. A great example of this is Jersey Girl, where Ben Affleck’s character gradually transforms from a distant father avoiding his pain into a present, loving dad.

5. Reflect growth in actions and decisions.

By the end of the story, your character’s choices and behavior should show who they’ve become. True growth is proven through action. Consider A Christmas Carol: by the end, Ebenezer Scrooge is no longer cold and greedy — his gradual transformation into a kind and generous soul is what makes him so memorable and relatable.

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Final Thoughts

Character growth isn’t just a plot device — it’s the soul of your story. When you write with empathy for your characters’ struggles, you create journeys that resonate. Your readers won’t just watch a story unfold; they’ll feel it, and they’ll experience transformation alongside your characters.

Looking for more help in creating the world that your vibrant characters live in? In the article How to Create a World for Your Characters, we deep dive into the best ways of creating a believable world for your characters that is just as alive and essential to their life as the world we live in is for our lives. 

✍️ Ready to publish your book with confidence?

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📚 And if you’re new here, I’m J.E. Nickerson — faith based author and inspirational storyteller. You can check out my books here or follow me on YouTube for more inspiration and encouragement on this writing life.

Watch this short reel to see the writing techniques we’ve discussed in action⬇️

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Characters are the heart of any story, and their imperfections make them relatable and real. Flaws aren’t just obstacles; they’re opportunities for growth, depth, and connection. This worksheet is designed to help you explore and develop your characters’ flaws, ensuring they evolve in meaningful ways throughout your narrative. 

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🧠 Character Flaws and Growth Worksheet

Objective:

To identify and develop your character’s flaws, and to outline their journey of growth and transformation throughout the story.()

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1. Identify Core Flaws

• What is your character’s primary flaw?

(e.g., arrogance, insecurity, impulsiveness, perfectionism)

• How does this flaw manifest in their behavior and decisions?

(e.g., avoiding confrontation, overcompensating, making rash choices)

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2. Backstory and Origins

• Where did this flaw originate?

(e.g., childhood experiences, past trauma, societal pressures)

• How does this backstory influence their current actions and relationships?

(e.g., trust issues, fear of failure, need for control)

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3. Impact on Relationships

• How does this flaw affect your character’s interactions with others?

(e.g., causing misunderstandings, creating distance, fostering dependency)

• What do other characters think or feel about this flaw?

(e.g., frustration, sympathy, admiration)

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4. Catalyst for Change

• What event or realization challenges your character’s flaw?

(e.g., a personal loss, a significant failure, a new relationship)

• How does this catalyst begin to shift their perspective or behavior?

(e.g., seeking help, confronting fears, reevaluating priorities)

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5. Growth and Transformation

• How does your character’s flaw evolve over the course of the story?

(e.g., from denial to acceptance, from selfishness to empathy)

• What specific actions or decisions demonstrate this growth?

(e.g., making amends, taking responsibility, showing vulnerability)

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6. Final Assessment

• By the end of the story, how has your character’s flaw been addressed or transformed?

(e.g., fully overcome, managed, integrated into their personality)

• What does this transformation signify about your character’s journey?

(e.g., redemption, maturity, healing)

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Reflection:

Flaws are not just imperfections; they’re the seeds of character development. By understanding and working through these flaws, your characters can embark on meaningful journeys that resonate with readers.()