Intentionally giving your characters toxic traits and emotional flaws (share your links)

[Rai_Muffin]

I like to give characters traits like that, mostly so they can grow out of them.
One character has anger issues which make her kind of a bully, but that's so she can realise that her attitude is hurting the people around her and becomes more adult.
I mean she'll still be a short-tempered bitch, but one you could at least converse with.
I try to put some focus on the backstory and heroic traits so the negative don't become distracting until I want them too. That and silly side comics where the negative traits become a punchline.

Read Raikiri | Tapas Web Comics

[lignorice]

My main character from Eigria: Lume is designed with this development in mind! Being a prince with lux life, yet not being grateful for whatever he has, detached himself from high and royal society, egoistic and not putting much effort in his duties (studies, politics, it does not matter to him although he knows one day he'd be the king). Until, one day he turned into fugitive overnight and gotta learn that he has responsibilities, in the hard way.

He'd still kinda egoistic brat I think, even after the story is done. But he'd learn how to put priorities and making sacrifices. No life goes 100% his way.

It's still in first episode (and gonna update another as scheduled), but I have this in mind while concepting him.

Read Eigria: Lume | Tapas Web Novels

[Leyelle]

Sounds like your prince is a bit like Kattar, who is continually referred to as a prince, though he's really just a rich boy. He grew up getting his own way in everything, even though he does value the effort his mother put in to raise him and give him everything he wanted, he's not used to not getting what he wants and that sort of makes him a brat, even at 28 years old.

[2DLenzy]

I wanted Friar to come off as a bit prudish and prideful, so that the story can humble him a bit. I won't say too much about backstory-to be revealed later- but he was always a bit prideful until unexpected things happened which made him super venomous at one point. But since joining the Whites, he has been trying to change his ways...who's to say it's doing him any good?

Alec is kinda wholesome - maybe pitiable given the loss of his wife- despite the business he runs. He cares more about people than chickens. But at some point in the future I might pressure him with outside events and see if his old innocent soul can handle it

Read Friar Chicken | Tapas Web Comics

[KevinReijnders]

Kyara can be a bit of an arrogant asshole at times. It really shows in the latest episode where she's confronted by an old friend for vanishing without a trace several months ago.

Read Trespasser :: Chapter 02 - An Adventure's Beginning p. 091 - 098 | Tapas...

[Leyelle]

Yeah, that's definitely one that can be hard to deal with. You definitely don't want to have low-self esteem, but it's a balance.

[lignorice]

Yes Kattar's kinda like Cenric (this is my prince's name btw) in a way then. I imagine they'd become besties or worst enemies (if they're in opposite side) and no in between!

I still focusing on scheduling and uploading chapters (my novel originally not made in english as english is not my main language), but I'd take time to read yours! I mean, how come I'm not interested in a character that has the same toxic traits as my son 🤣

[Leyelle]

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[Leyelle]

Oh, thank you. What is your first language, if you don't mind me asking? And yeah, they might end up being friends, depending on whether your Prince is a good guy or a villain

[KevinReijnders]

Haha yea that's true. Kyara could maybe use a bit of an ego check at times

[Leyelle]

I definitely had to give Kattar one through Alicia, but Zack seems a bit shy, so it would probably take someone else to give her a 'talking too.' TBH, Alicia is shy too, but she's also been dealing with Katatr for 15 years, so that's more than enough time to get fed-up.

[lignorice]

Your welcome! My main language is Indonesian. I made my novels in Indonesian first, then I translate it into English for Tapas. The Indonesian version is not published, though, just sitting nicely in my folders.

Cenric's the good guy in my case since he is the main character and the story following mainly from his pov. Then again, now I rethink the topic, I think almost all of my characters has at least one toxic trait 🤣

Like you said, that's what made them living. I really agree with this one.

[Leyelle]

Ah! I have a friend from Indonesia, but why didn't you release the Indonesian version as well? Indonesia has such a large population, you'd have quite a bit of a market if you tried to market it there wouldn't you?

[KevinReijnders]

Kyara's gonna get her ego chekced, but it's not gonna be through a stern talking to I'm afraid

[Leyelle]

What?! Bad Zack! Why haven't you told her off yet?

[KevinReijnders]

Unfortunately, even if he did (and some characters do try) she's a bad listener!

[lignorice]

@Leyelle Do you mean professionally (by publishers, published into physical books, sold in bookstores)? Or you meant in app/websites that hosts novels?

Well, This is what I see and know so far, but fantasy is not really common to be published as novels here. Comics, games, movies, and more 'visual' media is gaining more popularity. I do go to bookstores (like keeping in touch with trend), but I rarely sees fantasy novels by Indonesian authors. Mostly are translated foreign novels. Most of my friends I know enjoy my story, but they do not enjoy reading novels. They prefer my story to be in a comic.

There was one series, I collected almost all the series (because it was a multi author project. There is one universe, then few authors making few novels set in that universe/world), but for now, what I know is the series discontinued since a few years ago. None of the series can be found in bookstores anymore. This series actually have the same vibes with my novel (swords and magic, classic RPG theme, medieval-like).

Hahaha this went long, I am sorry. I'm glad someone actually asked me from this perspective. Market wise, yes, Indonesian is very large.

I want someone to actually correct this with more updated info. I sound real pessimistic lol

Also, I think this kinda off from your topic, is it fine? 🤣

[Leyelle]

Well, I don't know what genres are most popular, but if people are reading translated novels perhaps they will enjoy yours? Perhaps it would be unwise to try making a physical book, but you could maybe post it online?

[Leyelle]

For Eliza: it's a comedy, so I didn't give anyone a lot of bad habits/traits to address, but Eliza is definitely to impulsive, with a tendency to follow her whims without really thinking about how they will effect others, even her own husband.

Lion Proof | Episode 1: Aspiration Killed the Cat

[lignorice]

Online is such a good idea, thank you!

I was considering some websites/app to publish Eigria: Lume in Indonesian before decided to publish in Tapas. My main reason is simply I see my genre a lot in here. For me who don't have any prior publishing experience and no one I know writes, I rely on internet testimonies and forums like this. Then again, you reminded how my friend said that although I do the translation myself and she's fluent enough to read both version, she keep saying original and translated has 'different vibes'.

In the future, there might be, if not will, two versions of my novels, I think