There is nothing wrong with having an awesomely wicked character, within reason. A lot of authors project themselves (or what they wish they were) into their characters, or OC’s (original characters). This isn’t bad, a person should write about what they know and from experience; they just shouldn’t go overboard with it.
However there are some pitfalls an author should avoid when developing their character. Here are some basic tips for writing a believable character.
The original character can take out anyone, including people who are bigger and stronger. Now unless the character is a professional wrestler, an assassin (with an established back story to cement this) or on drugs and/or steroids, this is not believable. Sure, the OC might have taken some self-defense classes or may even be a black-belt in karate, but if a man who weighs twice what she does and towers over her bashes her head into a wall or slaps her as hard as he can, she’s going down for a moment or two.
This rule also applies to male characters. Think realistically. How much punishment can the OC take? How much can he or she dish out and what would the effect be on a much larger and stronger opponent?
The author should put themselves into their OC’s figurative shoes. Would the author be able to withstand all of that? How long would they last -guess, don’t go and find out- in a violent situation? Not long? Well, then they shouldn’t attribute powers of indifference to what is supposed to be an ordinary OC.
The author justifies the original character’s actions, constantly. An author is supposed to feel some sort of attachment to their OC, especially if said OC is the hero of the story. However, the author must also be aware that there are rules and limits, especially when it comes to behavior. If an OC is doing things that would get anyone else in the same situation in trouble, but the OC is not getting in trouble for it, the author is either making the character immune to the rules of society or not explaining well enough why the character is allowed to act like a jerk.
An example of this would be having an OC telling off their boss or someone who is in charge because the OC did not like an idea that was presented or an order and not suffering repercussions. In reality, someone’s head would roll and there would be consequences. Unless of course, the OC owns the company or is a wealthy heir, than the character could probably get away with quite a bit, but there would still be a limit.
OC’s that get upset or blow off important issues because they do not agree can also be an example of an unrealistic character. If the OC were to recognize that they had overreacted, this would be fine, but more often than not the author will defend the OC’s actions. This makes the OC seems completely out of touch with reality.
If an author wants their story to be real then they should be realistic about their OC, the situations, and how the OC reacts.
The character has an attitude problem and it’s considered okay. So the OC’s one bad cat and they know it. He or she doesn’t go to people (even if they need too), people come to them. He’s always right -even when he’s wrong- and anyone who says otherwise just ticks the OC off or gets slapped, maybe even both. If the character’s actions aren’t being justified (in other words, made to look reasonable when they are not), this is alright and the OC will get heat accordingly. Or at least, the OC should get heat.
Having a stubborn, belligerent character isn’t a crime. When that character is still found to be attractive without reservation by the people he or she may step on however, that is another story. When making this type of character, consequences to actions and/or words should always be included, the character should not be made out to be untouchable or still have a perfect, attractive air about them. If anything, the attractiveness should be tainted or the person with the attraction should have reservations.
Even when the original character is wrong, they’re right. This is where authors have to learn to stop writing and just think. If the character is wrong, they are wrong. Do not have the other characters defending the OC; do not write out justification as to why the character is allowed to be a jerk constantly, therefore making it alright.
Having an attitude or snapping at other characters is alright, but when an OC constantly does it and doesn’t care about anyone else’s feelings, or thinks that he/she is justified than the character can put a reader off of what would have otherwise been a good story.
To avoid these issues, an author might consider having someone beta-read their story and ask for feedback. If the reviewer points out that the main character seems to be a bit much, consider revising or toning down the character.
There are no entirely right or wrong ways to write out an original character, but authors should remember that the rules of cause and effect do exist in their stories. Actions have their consequences in stories, just as they do in the real world. A good story should have intriguing, engaging and above all else; believable characters.