The Power of Vulnerable Characters in Fiction

Part of the series “How to write a book from start to finish”

By J.E. Nickerson | Wise Thinkers Help Desk 

Some of the strongest characters in fiction aren’t the loudest. They’re not always the cleverest, the bravest, or the ones who win every fight. Sometimes, the characters who stay with us—the ones who stir something lasting—are the ones who allow themselves to break. They struggle. They hesitate. They bleed on the page. And that’s why we remember them.

One of the most iconic Christmas movies is It’s a Wonderful Life. This movie isn’t beloved because of action scenes or heroic battles. It sticks with people because of the humanity and vulnerability of George Bailey’s character as he goes through life and discovers the meaning of relationships and the interconnectedness of people.

The power of emotions in fiction

Vulnerability is one of the most human qualities a character can have. It gives the reader permission to feel. To relate. To breathe a little deeper. When a character shows us their fears or doubts, we begin to see ourselves in them. The armor comes off—not just theirs, but ours too. Unless you’re writing a story about an emotionless robot, you need to show the fragility of your character’s life through their emotions.

We don’t read fiction to see perfection. We read to feel less alone. We read to understand life and the emotional twists and turns we all go through. Vulnerable characters give us a bridge—a lens through which we can see life more clearly. They show us the unspoken—what it’s like to lose, to long, to love fiercely even when it hurts. They teach us that it’s okay to have cracks, and that real strength isn’t about never falling, but getting up with intention.

One of the best examples of a character struggling and not giving up can be seen in the movie See Jane Run. Joanna Kerns plays a wife with amnesia who is told by everyone she trusts that she is sick, killed her child in a car accident, and has a horrible temper. The story focuses on the vulnerability of someone who is continually gaslit by those closest to her and given drugs that make her second-guess her own reality and mind. Her vulnerability pulls the audience into the story from the first scene and holds their attention until the end.

A well-written vulnerable character doesn’t just react to the world around them—they internalize it. They wrestle with it. And even when they fail, they keep moving forward with honesty. In See Jane Run, the audience is drawn into Jane’s mental state through inner dialogue, presented in a hollow, echoey voiceover. When we write our stories, using inner dialogue can bring the audience right into the minds of our characters.

Creating vulnerability in your characters

Throughout the Eddie and Freddy books, I bring readers into the minds of Eddie and the others by showing their inner monologue—their thoughts as they go through the story. A character’s inner journey reminds us that growth isn’t linear, and healing doesn’t always look like victory. It often looks like persistence.

If you’re writing fiction, here’s the invitation: let your characters feel deeply. Let them be unsure. Let them make mistakes—and then choose again. Vulnerability doesn’t make your characters weaker—it makes them real. People rarely make the best choices every time. The expression “no one’s perfect” applies to your characters too. Just as people are flawed and fragile, relatable and believable characters must carry those same human qualities.

Remember, the characters you create are living in a world of their own. And it’s their vulnerability—paired with their resolve—that gives your story meaning and makes it unforgettable for your audience.

Creating great characters doesn’t stop with Vulnerability though. People are complex and your characters have layers that are yet to be discovered. Learn more about how to create memorable characters whose motivations and desires drive the story you are writing. Find their “why” for what they do in the article Why Did You Do That? Discovering Your Character’s Motivation

Resources

Let’s Bring Your Characters to Life

If you’re struggling to really know your characters—what drives them, what scares them, what makes them feel human—you’re not alone. That’s why I created the Character Profile Creation Checklist. It’s a guided tool to help you slow down, ask the right questions, and build characters who feel as real as the people around you.

Whether you’re starting a new story or revisiting one that needs depth, this checklist will walk you through it—one thoughtful step at a time.

📝 Download the Character Profile Checklist and start building from the inside out.

📚 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.

Want to see these principles in action? Watch the video below to understand how to create characters who feel connections with each other. ⬇️

Thank you for spending time here today. If this article helped you in your writing journey, you can support my work by buying a book or making a small donation. Your encouragement helps me keep creating freely available tools like this for writers.

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Vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s the heartbeat of compelling storytelling. Characters who expose their fears, doubts, and imperfections invite readers into their world, fostering deep emotional connections. This worksheet will guide you in crafting characters whose vulnerabilities resonate authentically, ensuring they leave a lasting impact on your audience.()

🧠 Crafting Vulnerable Characters Worksheet

Objective:

To explore and develop your character’s vulnerabilities, transforming them into strengths that enhance emotional depth and reader engagement.()

1. Identifying Core Vulnerabilities

• What is your character’s primary vulnerability?
  (e.g., fear of abandonment, guilt over past actions, inability to trust others)
• How does this vulnerability manifest in their behavior?
  (e.g., pushing people away, overcompensating, avoiding confrontation)

2. Origins of Vulnerability

• What event or series of events led to this vulnerability?
  (e.g., childhood trauma, betrayal by a loved one, failure in a significant endeavor)
• How does this backstory influence their current worldview and interactions?
  (e.g., skepticism, emotional guardedness, self-doubt)

3. Impact on Relationships

• How does this vulnerability affect their relationships with others?
  (e.g., causing misunderstandings, creating emotional distance, fostering dependency)
• How do others perceive and respond to this vulnerability?
  (e.g., offering support, becoming frustrated, withdrawing)

4. Moments of Exposure

• In what situations does your character’s vulnerability become apparent?
  (e.g., during moments of stress, in intimate conversations, when faced with failure)
• How do they react when their vulnerability is exposed?
  (e.g., retreating, becoming defensive, seeking comfort)

5. Growth Through Vulnerability

• How does confronting their vulnerability lead to personal growth?
  (e.g., developing resilience, learning to trust, accepting help from others)
• What actions or decisions demonstrate this growth?
  (e.g., apologizing for past mistakes, opening up to a confidant, taking a risk despite fear)

6. Final Transformation

• By the end of the story, how has your character’s vulnerability evolved?
  (e.g., fully embraced, managed with strength, integrated into their identity)
• What does this transformation signify about their journey?
  (e.g., healing, self-acceptance, empowerment)

Reflection:

Vulnerable characters are not defined by their weaknesses but by their courage to face them. By delving into and embracing your character’s vulnerabilities, you create a narrative that is rich, relatable, and emotionally resonant.()