In literature, we often discuss the concept of a tragic flaw. According to Merriam Webster the term is defined as
tragic flaw. noun. : a defect in the character of a good person (as the hero of a tragedy) that causes his or her destruction
We can see this in a lot of different characters: Hamlet letting emotions get in his way. Julius Caesar and his desire for power. Darth Vader and his desire to just be the best. And yes, even Romeo and Juliet (OK, just stupid teenagers but you get the idea).
It is also a term that goes as far back as Aristotle. In Poetics, Aristotle used the term hamartia to refer to the innate quality that leads a protagonist towards his or her own downfall.
This is where a lot of present day authors are missing the point. When we talk about a tragic flaw, it is a personality of the character. It is something that is in their DNA that is driving them to do the things that they are doing. They really don't see what they are doing. Unfortunately, too often, I find myself rejecting stories simply because the hero or heroine truly deserved everything they had coming to them. These are characters I cannot show any sympathy or empathy.
Let me explain one I see more often than not. The heroine finds out her husband is having an affair. OK. standard and very boring storyline, but let's keep going. To get her revenge, she intentionally goes out and has an affair as well. Help me out here, but when we started this storyline, she was a victim, but now, she is trying to justify a behavior that she felt was reprehensible.
How about the character who intentionally is skimming money from the company. Sure, they might justify it because they are in a financial hardship, but again, help me out here...theft is theft.
Creating a reason for your character to act or behave in a certain way is fine. However, it is crucial that you don't set up a scenario where the characters are doing things that, if something bad does happen, they truly deserve what is coming to them.
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