THE CHILDREN'S BOOK ACADEMY
  • Home
    • Terms of Service
  • WRITING
    • Craft & Business of Writing Childrens Picture Books
    • The Chapter Book Alchemist
  • ILLUSTRATION
    • Craft & Business of Illustrating Children's Books Instant Access
    • The Pleasures of Procreate
    • Fun with Photoshop for Kids Book Creatives
    • Never a Dull Moment Workshop
  • About Us
    • Why Us?
    • Meet the Faculty
    • Testimonials
    • Our Bookshop2
    • As Seen In
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
  • TECH
  • Blogfish
  • MN Course Access
  • Community
    • Our Bookshop
    • Resources
    • Course Scholarships >
      • Yuyi Morales Picture Book Scholarship
      • Andrea Davis Pinkney MG CB Mastery Scholarship
      • Rafael Lopez Illustrating Childrens Books Scholarships
      • Larissa Marantz Merit & Need Scholarship

Are Your Characters Too Perfect?

4/17/2017

27 Comments

 
by Bryan Patrick Avery

In the world of magic, there’s a theory called the “Too-Perfect” principle. The idea is that a magic effect can be so perfect that the solution becomes obvious, thus ruining the trick. One example of this is the Bill on Lemon effect where a signed bill disappears and then is found inside a lemon (or other fruit). There’s only one way the trick can be performed so the solution becomes rather obvious.

To keep an effect from being too perfect, magicians add red herrings to hide the obvious solution, thus making the effect more interesting and mysterious. The result is an effect that is far more entertaining and engaging.
​
The same thing can happen in our stories. If our characters are too perfect, they can ruin an otherwise good story. Adding imperfections to our characters can add conflict, suspense, and deeper meaning. One of my favorite imperfect characters is Teddy Fitzroy, from Stuart Gibbs’ FunJungle series. A brilliant kid, Teddy lives at FunJungle, the world’s largest zoo, with his parents. Teddy repeatedly solves mysteries at FunJungle, including the murder of a hippo, the theft of a koala, and the poaching of rhino horns. Though he is an adept investigator, Teddy is not without his flaws. 

Picture
​Teddy tends to cause a lot of trouble. He gives chimps water balloons to throw at guests, drops a fake human arm into the shark tank, and causes an elephant stampede. His antics tend to land him in trouble, and quite often impede his ability to investigate. The fact that he is able to overcome these challenges makes Teddy a far more compelling character than if he were just a picture-perfect kid.
Picture

​​The School for Good and Evil, written by Soman Chainani, features two magically imperfect characters. Sophie, who believes she is destined to be a princess and live happily ever after, and Agatha, draped in black with a wicked black cat, are transported to the School for Good and Evil. When Agatha is dropped into the School for Good and Sophie ends up in the School for Evil they are both sure that a mistake has been made.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Sophie is not the perfect princess she believes she is. Even more surprising, Agatha is not the evil witch we believe her to be. As the two girls go through the school year, we begin to think that, perhaps, they are right where they are supposed to be. Even Sophie and Agatha begin to embrace what they learn about themselves. Their imperfections make Sophie and Agatha characters that we care about and want to root for.
Here are a few of my other flawed favorites:
Ben Ripley, from Spy School by Stuart Gibbs
Clementine, from Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
Astrid, from Roller Girl by Victories Jamieson
Nate Foster, from Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle

There are, of course, many others. Our flawed characters can turn a good story into a great one. Here’s a little homework for you based on something I recently did for my current work in progress. Take your main character’s greatest strength and make it a weakness. For example, if they’re outgoing, make them socially anxious. If they’re extremely organized, make them horribly sloppy. You get the idea. Changing one character trait in my main character got my story unstuck and, I think, made the story much better.
​
That’s all for now. Happy writing. Have a magical month.


27 Comments
essay writing help link
10/12/2021 05:36:10 am

Sometimes, when you write a character in your story, you can seem like they’re perfect. You may even think that you know exactly how they will act in every situation. But when it comes to creating characters for your stories, most people are guilty of making characters too perfect. Then, when the characters start to act out of character, it can be very intimidating.

Reply
essay service for Australian students link
11/17/2021 04:01:38 am

Children book Academy has a forum to get solution books online for children. They have several pages that include to performed so the solution becomes rather obvious. The result is an effect that is far more entertaining and engaging. Join it.

Reply
waikato demolition link
9/23/2022 01:06:35 am

Perfect characters aren’t very believable. If you haven’t read it yet, you should check out what I recently wrote about the flaws in writing about your characters as perfect. To recap there are plenty of imperfect people out there who tell their stories and make those who read them feel less self-conscious. I think we could all use a dose of imperfection once in awhile.

Reply
all assignment help link
10/15/2022 12:19:58 am

Myself, Elliza allen associated with myassignmenthelp.com I have written many contents on homework help, Study help, Cdr Engineers Australia, proofreading services and more.

Reply
do my class for me link
11/4/2022 05:22:45 am

Perfect characters are hard to believe in. If you haven't already, you should read what I recently written about the problems with portraying your characters as being flawless. In conclusion, there are many flawed individuals who share their stories and help those who read them feel less self-conscious. I believe that every now and then, we could all use a little imperfection.

Reply
Assignment Helper link
11/11/2022 11:08:22 pm

Good Post

Reply
Get Research Paper Writing Services in Ireland link
12/23/2022 12:46:21 am

Stuck with your research paper? Don't worry, our research paper helper is here to help you! With our affordable prices and top-notch quality, we will make sure that your research paper is perfect. So what are you waiting for? Contact us today and let us help you with your research paper!

Reply
online sports glasses link
1/8/2023 11:10:21 am

That is exactly the amount of reserve you are giving on this topic and people are offering it away afflicted accessible.

Reply
Get Exam Help Online link
3/6/2023 10:30:44 am

Very efficient information about the novel School for Good and Evil. This article contains information about The School for Good and Evil written by Soman Chainani. Thank you for describing everything about the novel School for Good and Evil. Most students are drawn to this kind of information, but they are unable to prepare for their exams, If you have been struggling with your exams and want assistance, Get Exam Help Online is dedicated to helping students get higher grades on their examinations by providing them with the best available resources, including quality academic services.

Reply
Jennyfer Kreiger
3/28/2023 05:51:34 am

"This post was incredibly insightful and well-written. Thank you for sharing your expertise on this topic!"
<a href="https://promocodehq.com/sean-hannity-my-pillow-promo-code">sean hannity my pillow promo code</a>.

Reply
Ashlee Rolfson link
3/28/2023 07:37:49 am

I really enjoyed reading this blog post! It's so important for characters to be flawed and relatable. By giving characters flaws, we create depth and nuance that keeps readers engaged. Speaking of engagement, have you checked out <a href="https://www.frugalishness.com/promotions/bob's-discount-furniture-recliners">Bob's discount furniture recliners</a>? They're perfect for curling up with a good book and getting lost in a story!

Reply
Abigale Huels link
3/28/2023 09:10:48 am

This piece was exceptionally well-written and insightful. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge on this subject. I share here <a href="https://www.aintpayingfull.com/hello-molly-returns/">hello molly return </a>.

Reply
word hurdle link
3/29/2023 01:34:50 am

Imperfect characters are difficult to believe. If you haven't already, you should read what I recently wrote about the issues associated with creating faultless characters. In conclusion, there are several flawed people who share their story and help others feel less self-conscious by doing so. I feel that occasionally, we may all benefit from a little imperfection.

Reply
Whitney Rau link
3/29/2023 03:38:47 am

our post is very great.I read this post. It's very helpful. I will definitely go ahead and take advantage of this. plus This article is mind rich, continue uploading us such content about cyber monday voucher.

Reply
Pay by Plate ma link
5/2/2023 04:12:12 am

Thank you for sharing in this article I can a lot and could also be a reference I hope to read the next your article.

Reply
MyCenturaHealth link
6/2/2023 01:27:02 pm

I checked many articles on the same topic but this article is perfectly explained.

Reply
furniture stores link
6/4/2023 03:36:14 am

FSH FURNITURE is a furniture store located in Dubai. We offer a wide selection of furniture and home renovation products for your home.

Reply
Oneworld Mylabcorp link
6/5/2023 11:50:53 am

Nice and informative post. I have subscribed to your posts and feed. As a marketing communications student, I must say that I found the post relevant to my subject area.

Reply
ehall pass link
7/5/2023 09:20:02 am

Rather than each student having a pass, the <a href="https://ehallpass.us/login/">ehall pass</a> system is an efficient way for administrators to keep track of them and regulate the number of people leaving class. School administrators seem generally pleased with this new technology and feel confident that it will help with social distancing and contact tracing, eliminate expensive pass systems, and to improve overall safety.

Reply
Jennifer Walse link
7/9/2023 11:26:06 pm

I really appreciate this blog post about avoiding perfect characters in storytelling! It provides valuable insights on creating realistic and relatable characters. By the way, if you're looking for great deals and free shipping on fashion and lifestyle items, don't forget to check out "<a href="https://usepromos.com/promo-codes/hautelook-discount-codes-free-shipping">hautelook discount codes free shipping</a>" for exclusive savings. A perfect blend of storytelling advice and smart shopping opportunities!

Reply
MyOLSD
7/21/2023 11:02:02 pm

<a href="http://myolsd.top/">my olsd</a>.Portal serves as a single sign-on web portal specifically designed for students, parents, teachers, and administrators to access all educational resources. It also provides a safe and secure connection with an intuitive online learning environment for the students.

Reply
Monmouth County Reckless Driving Lawyer link
8/7/2023 06:57:14 am

Absolutely blown away by the incredible content on your blog! Your dedication to delivering valuable insights and information is truly impressive. I'm continually amazed by the depth of your expertise and the way you present complex topics with such clarity. Your blog has quickly become my go-to resource for learning and inspiration. Keep up the outstanding work! Your passion for what you do is truly contagious and makes learning from your blog an absolute delight.

Reply
Bodytite link
8/9/2023 05:29:35 am

Hello, This subject very interesting. thanks for helpfull writing. this article very important and true.
maybe you should check this article. very helpfull <a href="https://www.senelplastikcerrahi.com/bodytite/">Bodytite</a>

Reply
Assignment Help link
8/11/2023 10:41:23 pm

I am grateful for the positive impact Assignment Help Services have had on my academic performance and overall learning experience. They have empowered me to achieve higher grades, develop a deeper understanding of subjects, and ultimately, embark on a path of academic excellence.

Reply
Assignment Helper link
9/6/2023 04:00:44 am

Look no further than our services for students in need of <b><a href="https://www.greatassignmenthelp.com/us/">Assignment Help</a></b> for student. They are a dependable and trustworthy resource that can provide you with the aid you require to achieve in your academics. They provide high-quality service suited to your individual needs through their staff of seasoned specialists and writers in the USA.

Reply
Nursing Assignment Helper link
9/7/2023 04:24:07 am

Great post, and thank you for sharing valuable information! It's wonderful to see dedicated professionals like you providing nursing assignment help. Nursing assignments can be challenging, and having a reliable service like yours is a lifesaver for students pursuing this noble profession. Your commitment to assisting them in their academic journey is commendable. Nursing students can now find the support they need to excel in their studies and eventually make a positive impact in healthcare. Keep up the excellent work, and I'm sure many students will greatly benefit from your services. Thanks again for your contribution to the nursing community!


Reply
monticia goe link
9/8/2023 04:10:51 am

Thanks for such an informative blog. Literary Dissertation help writing services play a vital role in assisting students in the challenging journey of completing their dissertations. They offer comprehensive support in various aspects of the dissertation process, from topic selection to final editing. Students seek these services for various reasons, including time constraints, lack of research expertise, and language barriers.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    We are so excited to be mixing things up at CBA, beginning with some delicious additions to the Blogfish. Meet our  awesome bloggers!!

    Here's our lineup:
    1st Mondays begin with awesome Aussie debut author and former student Amanda Lieber who will be focusing on Aussie  kidlit.

    2nd Mondays will feature super smart Melissa Stoller whose career is taking off with several new books.
     

    3rd Mondays will feature STEM, STEAM & SEL obsessed author Kourtney LaFavre sharing delightfully dorky, quirky, and fun info.

    ​4th Mondays will be a mystery for right now.


    And 5th Mondays we'll be taking a break

    Enter your email address to follow this blog:

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012

Picture
Discover
Why Us?
Courses
Blogfish
Book Shoppe
About Us
Meet the Academy Faculty
Community
Contact Us

Privacy Policy
Join Us
Social Media
Join our Community and receive a fabulous free gift, yummy newsletters, scholarship info, contests, and more!

Like us on Facebook 
Join our interactive FB Group  
Find us on Twitter 
Follow us on ​Instagram  
Look for us on Pinterest
​
Watch us on YouTube
© 2012-2021  All content on this website is copyrighted. Sorry, all courses are non-refundable.
  • Home
    • Terms of Service
  • WRITING
    • Craft & Business of Writing Childrens Picture Books
    • The Chapter Book Alchemist
  • ILLUSTRATION
    • Craft & Business of Illustrating Children's Books Instant Access
    • The Pleasures of Procreate
    • Fun with Photoshop for Kids Book Creatives
    • Never a Dull Moment Workshop
  • About Us
    • Why Us?
    • Meet the Faculty
    • Testimonials
    • Our Bookshop2
    • As Seen In
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
  • TECH
  • Blogfish
  • MN Course Access
  • Community
    • Our Bookshop
    • Resources
    • Course Scholarships >
      • Yuyi Morales Picture Book Scholarship
      • Andrea Davis Pinkney MG CB Mastery Scholarship
      • Rafael Lopez Illustrating Childrens Books Scholarships
      • Larissa Marantz Merit & Need Scholarship