Exploring Character Weaknesses
The crux of good writing depends on character development. Characters who always say the right thing and who never fail are frankly, quite boring. We all have times when we fall off the bandwagon or take a wrong turn. It’s human.
I’ve been exploring the possibility of including a character that has been through alcohol rehab. Unfortunately, I have witnessed alcoholism and the effects and trauma it causes loved ones.
Alcohol treatment and the healing make for a long journey. These emotions can fuel a character’s backstory with many interesting elements. Even if the character himself has not experienced it, his proximity to the issue is vital. The insight of the people around are just as valuable. It’s only a weakness if you cannot rise above it.
Whether it is private alcohol rehab or public, the experience has much to teach us about people and how they behave. This is the fodder for good writing–taking the time to understand people for both their virtues and their sins. As writers, it is our job to tell our stories with real people and their struggle with this thing we call life.
The issues is not an uncommon one as the statistics will bear out. We all have our main struggle in life. It’s up to us to find a way to prevail.
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