Crafting a Character Misbelief
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
I've seen many aspiring writers struggle to create compelling characters that readers can't resist. One essential element of character development that many writers overlook is the misbelief that drives their protagonist's actions. When done right, a character misbelief can add depth and complexity to your story, keeping readers engaged from beginning to end. In this article, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about crafting a character misbelief for your novel or memoir. I’ll cover all the elements necessary to make it compelling, how your character interacts with it, how it plays into plot and character development, common mistakes writers make with it, and how to execute it for maximum emotional impact.
What is a Character Misbelief?
A character misbelief is a deeply held belief that drives your protagonist's actions but ultimately holds them back from achieving their goals. It's often rooted in past trauma or experiences and can be so ingrained in their psyche that they're not even aware of it. The best way to identify your protagonist's misbelief is by asking yourself what fear or insecurity is holding them back from achieving their goal. What do they believe about themselves that might not be true, and what might be keeping them back from self-actualization?
Crafting a Compelling Character Misbelief
To craft a compelling character misbelief, you need to understand how it fits into your story as a whole. Start by considering the central conflict of your narrative and how the misbelief ties into it. Think about what events in your protagonist's past and backstory contributed to this belief and how they reinforce it throughout the story. Next, consider the consequences of this belief on your protagonist's behavior and decisions throughout the story. How does this belief drive them towards their goal? And what are the potential consequences if they don't confront or overcome it? How does the protagonist become aware of their character misbelief and need?
Executing Character Misbelief for Maximum Emotional Impact
To execute your character misbelief for maximum emotional impact, you need to make sure it's an integral part of your story. Consider how it ties into the central conflict and what your protagonist's journey looks like as they confront and overcome it. How does your character perhaps transition from a more superficial objective based on their misbelief to pursuing their need? One common mistake many writers make is not giving their protagonist enough opportunities to confront their misbelief (which will ideally also be tied to the story’s theme). Make sure you're giving them plenty of chances to question their beliefs and challenge them throughout the story. Additionally, don't be afraid to use imagery, symbolism, or other literary techniques to reinforce the importance of this belief in your protagonist's journey.
Common Mistakes Writers Make with Character Misbelief
One of the most common mistakes writers make with character misbelief is making it too obvious or on-the-nose. Remember that your readers are smart and will pick up on subtleties in your writing. Avoid stating the misbelief outright and instead show how it influences your protagonist's actions through dialogue, behavior, and decision-making. Another mistake writers make is not tying the misbelief into the larger narrative arc effectively. Your character's misbelief should be central to their journey towards achieving their goal and overcoming obstacles along the way.
Crafting a compelling character misbelief can take your writing to the next level by adding depth and complexity to your protagonist's journey. By understanding all elements necessary for creating a compelling character misbelief—from plot development to execution—aspiring writers can create characters that resonate with readers long after they finish reading. Remember that a well-crafted character misbelief requires a thoughtful approach but can pay off in spades if done right.
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