Crafting Complex Characters: Avoiding Cliches in Misunderstood Characters

When writing characters, especially those who are misunderstood, it's important to move beyond cliches and create genuinely relatable individuals. The process begins with identifying the message you wish to convey and the type of character that best illustrates that message. As Ernest Hemingway once said, "Don’t write characters. Write people." This insight serves as a guiding principle in crafting a truly authentic and compelling character.

Understanding the Message

The point you want to make is at the core of your story. For a character who is misunderstood, you might explore the consequences of hasty judgments or the strength of overcoming such misunderstandings. Perhaps you aim to write a tale of redemption, where a character is eventually understood, or a tragedy where they are destroyed by others' perceptions. Or, perhaps your narrative is a blend of both, capturing the complexity and nuances of such situations.

Selecting a Sample Character

To illustrate these principles, let's consider a sample character named Kevin, a 23-year-old young adult. At this age, Kevin faces challenges that are both familiar and unique to young adults. He might have dropped out of college, struggled with a reading disability, or been labeled as "not bright" due to past behavior. Each of these scenarios can lead to different misunderstandings:

Dropout or Non-Attending College: Kevin could be dismissed by others because of his decision not to complete his education. This might stem from a reading disability that has affected his academic performance. Reading Disability: Because of his struggles, people might underestimate his intelligence, treating him as someone with less academic potential. This underestimation contributes to his self-perception and his interactions with others. Socially Awkward: Despite being bright, Kevin might be seen as socially awkward, leading to further misunderstanding and isolation.

Exploring Understandable Meanings

Kevin's character can take many forms based on these scenarios. He could be a "bad boy" who skips school frequently and faces trust issues due to past incidents. Alternatively, he might be a "good boy" who hides his pain until a breaking point forces others to look deeper. Each of these paths presents opportunities to avoid cliches by delving into complex relationships and moments of human drama.

Building a Complex Character

To ensure Kevin is not a cliche, focus on creating a well-rounded, multifaceted individual. His relationships should be intricate, with both strengths and weaknesses. For instance:

Strengths and Weaknesses: His core strengths might also be his biggest weaknesses. What he most values might also be what leads him astray. Specific Interests and Opinions: Define his interests and opinions uniquely. If he collects comics, does he have a preference for a specific era, such as Golden Age DC comics? What bothers him? What makes him happy? Relationships with Others: Who does he love, and how does he show it (or not show it)? How has he been failed, and how has he failed others? These aspects paint a more realistic and nuanced character. Goals and Challenges: What does he want more than anything, and what would he be willing to do to achieve it? This includes understanding whether his desires are genuine or misguided. Lessons and Beliefs: What does he truly believe in terms of guiding principles, and how do these beliefs shape his actions?

It's crucial to explore the underlying reasons for Kevin's misunderstandings. Is he bitter and angry due to past experiences? Or is he seen as a "bad boy" because he struggles with impulse control and poor judgment?

Deepening Character Understanding

To truly move beyond cliches, you need to understand Kevin profoundly. Here are some questions to consider:

Who is he really, and who do others think he is? How does his background and past shape his relationships and interactions? In what moments does he demonstrate strength, and in what moments does he reveal his weaknesses? What are the turning points in his life that shift others' perceptions of him? How does he change, and how do others change as a result of his journey?

By answering these questions, you can create a character that is deeply relatable and nuanced, one who evolves throughout the story rather than remaining a static figure.

Conclusion

Writing misunderstood characters effectively requires a deep understanding of your character and purpose. By focusing on complex relationships, specific interests, and a detailed exploration of their strengths and weaknesses, you can avoid the pitfalls of cliches and create a story that resonates with readers. Remember, the goal is to create individuals that seem as real as those we encounter in our own lives.