In Kite Runner, Amir seemed cowardly, a common flaw in a lot of people, when he didn't stand up to Assef the first time when Hassan was raped. Amir would represent the realistic character. Hassan was extremely loyal to Amir and a great friend. "For you, a thousand times over." Hasan would be the idealist character. I don't know about you guys, but I don't know anyone that pure-hearted, faithful, and reliable.

So what I'm trying to ask is how to incorporate an idealist character with out them being over-cliched. Like trying to avoid a character like: the brave knight who would risk his life to save the beautiful princess, just because he was a knight...that kind of stuff

Now, I may lose you at that word "flaws", because some may see flaws differently than I do. Here's the way I define a flaw, and the most useful definition when it comes to character development, in my opinion at least: A flaw is a character trait that impedes a character in the pursuit of his or her goals. It can be a "good" or a "bad" trait. The inherent idea, though, is that human beings are contradictory creatures. Keep that in mind. Also keep in mind that a trait may be both a flaw and a strength, depending on the situation. (Example: A berserker rage will help you win in a life-and-death battle, but in a tavern brawl, it will get you thrown in the clink once you calm down.)

Now, back onto the topic at hand. Make your idealist a HUMAN BEING, not an ideal spouting automaton. :P Which is more courageous: a man completely without fear who cuts down the evil-doers and saves the day as though it was nothing, or a man who's frightened out of his wits, does his best to steady himself, then draws his sword gets to what he knows is the right thing to do? Which is more gracious: a man who is just naturally kind to everyone because he's lacking in all other emotions but kindness, or a man who gets COMPLETELY irritated by a certain type of person but fights to control it and be kind to the person anyway though they try his patience to the limit?

Another primary factor to consider is the character's motivation. WHAT makes them want to save pretty damsels, or rescue captives, or protect the king with their lives? Perhaps they know what it is to be helpless, so they don't want others to go through the same thing. Perhaps he admires the king's way of thinking. Perhaps he's extremely patriotic and wants to do his best for king an country. Whatever the reasons, make it a common and human one, personal to the character.

I have a friend who has, I believe, done quite well at bringing an idealist down-to-earth, without shattering the things that make him an idealist.

He is a holy knight, devoted to his god, his people, and his king (in that order). When he was young, abandoned on the temple steps, he was a terribly angry, lost, and sad little boy. The Order he now serves took him in, showed him kindness, and taught him their ways. He feels that if HE was rescued, then he might rescue others, so he has devoted himself to following the way of a knight of that order, helping others and following the strict code (sometimes contradictory) set out for them by their god. The code often give him headaches as he tries to follow it in every situation, but it sometimes has rules that go into contradiction with each other... For example, what if the code requiring not only honesty, but to not let others be decieved conflicts with the code to protect the innocent? Hehe. Then there are those infuriating people he has to deal with that go out of their way to push his button because he follows a "silly code" when they do not. They irritate him to no end, and sometimes get him to have a small out burst before he takes a breath, says a little prayer to himself, and attempts to calm down.

My thoughts.

Girlbrainiac

1. Forums are not to be used to post stories.
2. All discussions, language and content, must be suitable for teens.
3. The owner/moderator(s) of this forum is solely responsible for content posted within this area.
4. All forum abuse must be reported to the moderator(s).

1. Forum admin/moderator
2. Fanatic (on site for more than 2 years)
3. Fan (on site for more than a year)
4. Regular (on site for more than 6 months)
5. Camper (on site for more than a month)
6. Apprentice (on site for more than a week)
7. Newbie (on site for less than a week)