How to Write Lovable Characters Who Makes Bad Decisions

I love a character who messes up. Mistakes and bad decisions make your character more lovable and more human.

As an author, these characters are a little harder to create. We want our readers to root for them, even when their choices are questionable. A character who is too unbearable with their decision-making can throw your reader off.

Here’s how to write/build your lovable character (who messes up a lot).

Solidify what is grounding your character’s beliefs

Think of reasons why your character would make certain decisions. Ask yourself (or your character) questions! Is fear motivating them? What are their beliefs? Have past experiences influenced or clouded their judgment?

Have these questions ready on a character sheet, and refer back to them each time your character is faced with making a big decision.

Human flaws, not apathy

If you want your character to remain lovable, they should avoid making certain harmful and permanent decisions. Sympathy is a key element here. It keeps your character from crossing the line of apathy. Keep your character from making permanent decisions based on their grounded beliefs. If they do end up making a bad decision, allow them to redeem themselves while also facing the necessary consequences.

Show their growth

This relates to how your character moves forward after making decisions and mistakes. Make sure they face the consequences of their actions. Everyone has to sit with the discomfort of a bad decision, and your character must do the same. Let them work to make amends, even if they must adjust their values and beliefs.

Any tips you think I missed? Drop them in the comments, and thank you for reading! Happy Saturday <3