Avoiding Main Protagonist cliches

[Alpha-neos 46]

You know I've been working on my comic since I was 10.

By now I should have already a good idea about my characters and story.

So far I'm doing well revamping everything.

I'm just a little worried my main protagonist may be uninteresting or too cliche.

So how do I fix that?

I need advice! DX 

 

-a~N

Edited March 30, 2014 by Alpha-neos

[Silverwisp the Bard 2,353]

Give it to someone else to read; as a creator, one is often too close to spot the flaws.

Alternatively, there a various "Is your character fleshed out" and "Is my character a mary sue" tests available online, one googlesearch away.

Edited April 1, 2014 by Silverwisp the Bard

[Castle Bleck 19,353]

The first question you should ask yourself is:

 

 

If yes, then you should make the necessary changes to your protagonist before proceeding further.

Edited March 31, 2014 by Anti-Villain

[GenderIsAnIllusion 2,177]

Can you describe your protagonist to me?

[Hawk Moth 390]

Make your character a bit boring XD

 

Seriously, a lot of writers think that bigger is better, but if you're going for realism or especially wanting your audience to relate to your character, the character must be grounded. Instead of being the fastest gun in the west, make him the 157'th haha. You know what I mean? It's like in an action movie, you're more on your edge when the hero doesn't land all his jumps perfectly and is outmatched by others in one or more ways.

 

The thing about cliches is that they're the first things people go to in their minds. That's how they got to be cliches in the first place. Take a moment to think about your character in your head before your hands touch the keyboard. It can be really fun (at least for me because I'm a literature dork XD) to go through events in your character's life as if you're thinking of a real person. Even better, imagine that your story is the kind of TV show, movie, or book that was made especially for you to enjoy; you have control over everything. What's better, it can have as many seasons/sequels as you want. It's your story, and it only ends on your terms.

 

Do a lot of thinking in your spare time (I brainstorm to help me fall asleep at night) about your character's traits and what you've seen before. Think of your character's personality as a password; you don't want to make it obvious. If you find a trait that seems overused or too predictable, give it a small change until it's a bit more unique. Also... CHEAT!!! Take things from your own life that have only happened to you, and put some of those things in. Just because you're being creative, doesn't mean you can't draw from reality. After all, the best characters are the most personal. You naturally care about them more.

 

Sorry for the long reply. I hope I could be of some help, and if I haven't, tell me! I'll try to help as much as I can.

[Alpha-neos 46]

Give it to someone else to read; as a creator, one is often too close to spot the flaws.

Alternatively, there a various "Is your character fleshed out" and "Is my character a mary sue" tests available online, one googlesearch away.

 

Alright, I shall search google then!

 

 

The first question you should ask yourself is:

 

 

If yes, then you should make the necessary changes to your protagonist before proceeding further.

 

LOL!

Hmmm no don't think so.

I made sure that he'd look cool as possible.

 

 

Can you describe your protagonist to me?

 

Hmmmm.

Optimistic.

Lazy.

Naive.

He likes to builds tech.

Can be arrogant at times.

And has a sense of justice.

 

Here's a pic two pics of him.

I still have to make a new pic for him.

 

 

Make your character a bit boring XD

 

Seriously, a lot of writers think that bigger is better, but if you're going for realism or especially wanting your audience to relate to your character, the character must be grounded. Instead of being the fastest gun in the west, make him the 157'th haha. You know what I mean? It's like in an action movie, you're more on your edge when the hero doesn't land all his jumps perfectly and is outmatched by others in one or more ways.

 

The thing about cliches is that they're the first things people go to in their minds. That's how they got to be cliches in the first place. Take a moment to think about your character in your head before your hands touch the keyboard. It can be really fun (at least for me because I'm a literature dork XD) to go through events in your character's life as if you're thinking of a real person. Even better, imagine that your story is the kind of TV show, movie, or book that was made especially for you to enjoy; you have control over everything. What's better, it can have as many seasons/sequels as you want. It's your story, and it only ends on your terms.

 

Do a lot of thinking in your spare time (I brainstorm to help me fall asleep at night) about your character's traits and what you've seen before. Think of your character's personality as a password; you don't want to make it obvious. If you find a trait that seems overused or too predictable, give it a small change until it's a bit more unique. Also... CHEAT!!! Take things from your own life that have only happened to you, and put some of those things in. Just because you're being creative, doesn't mean you can't draw from reality. After all, the best characters are the most personal. You naturally care about them more.

 

Sorry for the long reply. I hope I could be of some help, and if I haven't, tell me! I'll try to help as much as I can.

 

No no its fine.

Honestly, you have a good point.

Wouldn't have thought of it that way. o__o

Thanks for advice. ^   ^

Edited April 2, 2014 by Alpha-neos

[GenderIsAnIllusion 2,177]

Ok so basically hes a standard "anti-hero"..... That is a character who strives for good, but is willing to go against social norms, and procedure to get it done..... That's really not a bad cliche if done right.... Not even that common.

[M'aiq the Liar 5,804]

Try not to avoid any and all cliches. Having no cliches in the character at all just puts them in the "avoiding cliches" cliche. One or two well placed cliches can help make them more believable, as most people tend to act similarly. 

[Hawk Moth 390]

Here's a question? What keeps him from being a hero and always doing the right thing? Honestly, I think it would be cool if it was the laziness that you had listed. The cliche with anti-heroes is that they're tortured, so it's interesting when their motivations come from a much stranger direction. My advice with anti-heroes is to avoid being like batman. There are too many heroes with tortured pasts who know martial arts and use fancy technology while fighting crime as vigilantes. Instead of thinking of your character as an anti-hero, think of him as an anti-villain i.e. a villainous character who happens to do a bit of good in the world thanks to a sense of justice.

 

Also, if you haven't read Watchmen, try to get a copy. It's full of murky characters who break conventional molds.

Edited April 2, 2014 by Hawk Moth

[Alpha-neos 46]

Ok so basically hes a standard "anti-hero"..... That is a character who strives for good, but is willing to go against social norms, and procedure to get it done..... That's really not a bad cliche if done right.... Not even that common.

 

Yeah he'd be an anti-hero in the like. >__>

 

Try not to avoid any and all cliches. Having no cliches in the character at all just puts them in the "avoiding cliches" cliche. One or two well placed cliches can help make them more believable, as most people tend to act similarly. 

 

Okay thats a good thing to know.

A little cliche never hurt anyone.

 

 

Here's a question? What keeps him from being a hero and always doing the right thing? Honestly, I think it would be cool if it was the laziness that you had listed. The cliche with anti-heroes is that they're tortured, so it's interesting when their motivations come from a much stranger direction. My advice with anti-heroes is to avoid being like batman. There are too many heroes with tortured pasts who know martial arts and use fancy technology while fighting crime as vigilantes. Instead of thinking of your character as an anti-hero, think of him as an anti-villain i.e. a villainous character who happens to do a bit of good in the world thanks to a sense of justice.

 

Also, if you haven't read Watchmen, try to get a copy. It's full of murky characters who break conventional molds.

 

Hmmm might do that for another character.

Well, his hometown was almost destroyed because of a war that started.

Him and his entire family were exiled for being blamed for starting said war and had to go into hiding.

He had a mentor that taught him how to tinker, until she was killed by Twilight Tribe Soldiers (the ones who attacked his hometown).

But even all that he's still sane because he still got his older sister and twin brother.

Plus his parents are still alive but are not around because their helping in the war.

Sooooo....yeah. >__>

But I'm gonna turn him into batman though XD

Sides he has powers.

Edited April 3, 2014 by Alpha-neos

[Eloquence 2,076]

All of these are really awesome suggestions, and you should totally take them to heart, but in the end there's no formula for a strong character, as each one is a unique creation. That said, the best way to make sure anything in your story is working correctly is to get a second opinion. And a third. And a fourth. Basically as many as you can get. If you're not comfortable asking people you know in real life, ask people on social media sites where you can retain some anonymity. Even this forum can turn up some helpful proofreaders, in fact I myself happen to be a solid proofreader and a pen for hire on here, or keyboard for hire as the case may be.

[Alpha-neos 46]

All of these are really awesome suggestions, and you should totally take them to heart, but in the end there's no formula for a strong character, as each one is a unique creation. That said, the best way to make sure anything in your story is working correctly is to get a second opinion. And a third. And a fourth. Basically as many as you can get. If you're not comfortable asking people you know in real life, ask people on social media sites where you can retain some anonymity. Even this forum can turn up some helpful proofreaders, in fact I myself happen to be a solid proofreader and a pen for hire on here, or keyboard for hire as the case may be.

 

O___O Wow.

Thanks for your words of wisdom Eloquence!

Heh, heh thats a very cool name.

But uh one question for you.

Do you mind reading my comic?

[Eloquence 2,076]

O___O Wow.

Thanks for your words of wisdom Eloquence!

Heh, heh thats a very cool name.

But uh one question for you.

Do you mind reading my comic?

 

Not at all! I am in the middle of writing a story for someone, and proofreading one for someone else, so it might take a little bit, but I'm always up for taking on new writing-related projects

 

Just PM me the details and we'll set something up for ya. Oh, and if I do a good job and you feel like, say, leaving a glowing review on my request shop thread, that'd be pretty cool

 

Also thank you. I'm glad you appreciate both my name and my words.

Edited April 3, 2014 by Eloquence

[Anneal 2,197]

The most common cliches are:

 

- Abusive or dead parents.

 

- Lack of ANY kind of remorse or angst, especially after murdering others. Even if your character is a stoic, there has to be a limit where they just collapse or become traumatized. Come on, your protagonist isn't that strong-hearted.

 

- Conversely, too much angst will eventually be more annoying than sympathetic. Whining over how you had a dark past or you're blind will easily backfire.

 

- Unrealistic fighting and fighting skills: your character isn't invincible. Actually, they kind of are if they're important to the storyline, but at the least act like they have a chance of dying.

 

- The "Damsel in Distress": this is regarded to some as sexist nowadays. Avoid sexism in your writing (dialogue and personality traits are acceptable, however) and try to balance out the male-female ratio. 

 

- The Angelic Good and the Big Baddies: overused, and while it can be played off well, in modern writing it's becoming bland. Maybe the antagonist has a well-intended cause, or the people you're trying to defend just betrayed you. Or perhaps an initial enemy became your ally, or the opposite. Have some variety in your writing.

 

- Deus Ex Machina, or rather, making up illogical solutions for seemingly inevitable problems and fates. Don't try to make up excuses just for the sake of your character's survival.

 

- The Chosen One. Automatic jump from small, unimportant character to celebrity. Boring in reality.

 

- Most of all, don't play like it's your ideal dream-land. Make it look real, don't make up self-inserts for your own pleasure, and quit the dramatic backstories.

[Alpha-neos 46]

Not at all! I am in the middle of writing a story for someone, and proofreading one for someone else, so it might take a little bit, but I'm always up for taking on new writing-related projects

 

Just PM me the details and we'll set something up for ya. Oh, and if I do a good job and you feel like, say, leaving a glowing review on my request shop thread, that'd be pretty cool

 

Also thank you. I'm glad you appreciate both my name and my words.

 

No problem!

And thanks a bunch!

 

The most common cliches are:

 

- Abusive or dead parents.

 

- Lack of ANY kind of remorse or angst, especially after murdering others. Even if your character is a stoic, there has to be a limit where they just collapse or become traumatized. Come on, your protagonist isn't that strong-hearted.

 

- Conversely, too much angst will eventually be more annoying than sympathetic. Whining over how you had a dark past or you're blind will easily backfire.

 

- Unrealistic fighting and fighting skills: your character isn't invincible. Actually, they kind of are if they're important to the storyline, but at the least act like they have a chance of dying.

 

- The "Damsel in Distress": this is regarded to some as sexist nowadays. Avoid sexism in your writing (dialogue and personality traits are acceptable, however) and try to balance out the male-female ratio. 

 

- The Angelic Good and the Big Baddies: overused, and while it can be played off well, in modern writing it's becoming bland. Maybe the antagonist has a well-intended cause, or the people you're trying to defend just betrayed you. Or perhaps an initial enemy became your ally, or the opposite. Have some variety in your writing.

 

- Deus Ex Machina, or rather, making up illogical solutions for seemingly inevitable problems and fates. Don't try to make up excuses just for the sake of your character's survival.

 

- The Chosen One. Automatic jump from small, unimportant character to celebrity. Boring in reality.

 

- Most of all, don't play like it's your ideal dream-land. Make it look real, don't make up self-inserts for your own pleasure, and quit the dramatic backstories.

 

Hmmmm.

I think I'm using the first one for someone else.

Overall I'm not using any of them!

Ideal dreamland? Urm.....got an example?

I hope creating your own planet doesn't count as one of those "ideal dreamland". DX

Edited April 3, 2014 by Alpha-neos

[Anneal 2,197]

No, ideal dreamland as in you're using the characters to do what you WANT to do and modifying what needs to happen.

 

And while this isn't a cliche, it's actually recommended you do some studying on specific subjects. It might get awry if something against the laws of nature happen, unless you're playing it for humor or there is some justified reason for one thing happening.

 

For weapons...don't start off with an overpowered weapon. It turns the story into a tiring massacre with lack of development. Make the protagonist weaker than he is against the enemy (though that doesn't mean they can get their badass moments), and if they DO get a powerful weapon or item, (literally Chekhov's Gun), save it up for later until you need it most.

 

There are some other literary skills, such as the motif (recurring symbols), foil characters (two completely opposite characters that interact with each other to emphasize difference), the metaphora (more versatile than you thought), and foreshadowing + plot twists (best weapon in your arsenal!). 

[Alpha-neos 46]

No, ideal dreamland as in you're using the characters to do what you WANT to do and modifying what needs to happen.

 

And while this isn't a cliche, it's actually recommended you do some studying on specific subjects. It might get awry if something against the laws of nature happen, unless you're playing it for humor or there is some justified reason for one thing happening.

 

For weapons...don't start off with an overpowered weapon. It turns the story into a tiring massacre with lack of development. Make the protagonist weaker than he is against the enemy (though that doesn't mean they can get their badass moments), and if they DO get a powerful weapon or item, (literally Chekhov's Gun), save it up for later until you need it most.

 

There are some other literary skills, such as the motif (recurring symbols), foil characters (two completely opposite characters that interact with each other to emphasize difference), the metaphora (more versatile than you thought), and foreshadowing + plot twists (best weapon in your arsenal!). 

 

Oh chekhov's gun.

How I love that device.

These will be very helpful.

I'll make sure I keep learning about these as the story progresses.

Thanks a bunch!

And oh god! I just realized I'm parasprite!! O___O

[Castle Bleck 19,353]

Here's a question? What keeps him from being a hero and always doing the right thing? Honestly, I think it would be cool if it was the laziness that you had listed. The cliche with anti-heroes is that they're tortured, so it's interesting when their motivations come from a much stranger direction. My advice with anti-heroes is to avoid being like batman. There are too many heroes with tortured pasts who know martial arts and use fancy technology while fighting crime as vigilantes. Instead of thinking of your character as an anti-hero, think of him as an anti-villain i.e. a villainous character who happens to do a bit of good in the world thanks to a sense of justice.

 

Also, if you haven't read Watchmen, try to get a copy. It's full of murky characters who break conventional molds.

 

 

My reaction, given a certain member here.

Edited April 4, 2014 by Anti-Villain

[Hawk Moth 390]

 

My reaction, given a certain member here.

Oh my... Well this is awkward.

[Wind Chaser 4,768]

I would suggest some kind of emotional baggage that comes from within the character to plague him every once in a while. No one can be 100% confident all of the time. Have something happen to him that has him question his life, his abilities, why he does this, etc.

[Alpha-neos 46]

I would suggest some kind of emotional baggage that comes from within the character to plague him every once in a while. No one can be 100% confident all of the time. Have something happen to him that has him question his life, his abilities, why he does this, etc.

 

Hmmmm.

Got any examples?

It'll help me understand some more.

[Wind Chaser 4,768]

Hmmmm.

Got any examples?

It'll help me understand some more.

Unfortunately I do not, I was just trying it in a project of my own and felt I had pretty good results from it, but I'm sure others will be able to help you.