OneTaskBy Tim King · Updated
Character Flaw Generator
Personality Flaws, Fears, Vices and Fatal Flaws for RPG Characters and Fiction
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How the Character Flaw Generator works
A character flaw generator for weaknesses, fears, vices and fatal flaws. Flaws make a character human, give them room to grow and create drama in every scene. Pick a kind of flaw and give your RPG hero, villain or story protagonist something to struggle against.
How the character flaw generator works
Personality flaws affect how a character talks to people, such as refusing to admit mistakes or holding grudges. Fears are things the character avoids, which a game master can use to raise the stakes. Vices are bad habits that cause trouble, like gambling or picking fights, and they are fun to play at the table. Fatal flaws are the deepest weakness, the kind that could ruin the character in the end, such as pride, revenge or blind loyalty. Classic tragedies are built around a fatal flaw, so it is a strong choice for main characters and villains alike, including those from the villain name generator.
Flaws make better stories
Perfect characters are boring. A hero who is afraid of deep water becomes much more interesting when the quest leads to the sea.
FAQ
Why do characters need flaws?
Flaws create conflict and give characters something to overcome. A character who struggles with pride or fear feels real, and readers or players care more when they watch that character fail, learn and try again.
What is a fatal flaw?
A fatal flaw is a weakness deep enough to cause a character's downfall. It often looks like a strength at first, such as loyalty or ambition, and slowly leads the character into worse and worse choices.
How do I play a flaw in a tabletop game?
Let the flaw make choices sometimes, even when it hurts your character. If your hero cannot say no to a dare, accept the dare. Game masters love it, and it creates the best stories at the table.
Can a flaw be fixed?
Yes, and overcoming a flaw is a great character arc. The hero who fears fire can finally walk into the burning tower. Just make it hard and slow, so the change feels earned rather than handed out.
See also: all Fantasy & RPG tools, People, Sci-fi, Culture & Language, Online & Social, Business & Brand, Places & Things.
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