The Allure of Flawed Characters & Why We Love Them

From the moment we open a book, start a TV show, or watch a movie, we often find ourselves drawn to characters who are not perfect. These characters carry scars, wrestle with inner demons, or face mental health struggles. They are broken in ways that make their stories feel raw and real. But why do readers and viewers fall in love with these flawed characters? And how do writers craft their pain to make it resonate so deeply?

This post explores the magnetic pull of imperfect/flawed characters, using examples from some of my favourite fandoms like Stranger Things, Harry Potter, Merlin, and Squid Game. Whether you are a reader, writer, or filmmaker, understanding this connection can enrich your experience and storytelling.

A writer’s workspace reflecting the creative process behind flawed characters

Why Flawed Characters Capture Our Hearts

Perfect characters often feel distant or unrealistic. Flawed characters, by contrast, mirror the complexity of real people. Their struggles, mistakes, and vulnerabilities make them relatable. When a character battles mental health issues, experiences trauma, or wrestles with moral dilemmas, readers and viewers see parts of themselves reflected.

Take Will Byers from Stranger Things. His time trapped in the Upside Down and his ongoing connection to it make him more than just a survivor. He is sensitive, frightened, and constantly caught between wanting to be normal and knowing he never truly will be. His quiet pain, loyalty to his friends, and fear of being left behind give him emotional depth. This complexity makes him feel real and it’s why audiences don’t just watch Will, they worry about him, root for him, and carry his story with them.

Flaws create tension and unpredictability. Characters who are broken are not bound by neat resolutions. Their journeys are filled with setbacks and growth, which keeps audiences hooked. The pain they endure feels authentic, making moments of triumph more satisfying.

How Writers Make It Hurt So Good

Writers use several techniques to deepen the impact of flawed characters:

• Show, don’t tell: Instead of stating a character’s pain, writers reveal it through actions, dialogue, and subtle details. For example, Severus Snape’s bitterness in Harry Potter is shown through his harsh behaviour, but glimpses of his past reveal a tragic depth.

  
  

• Layered backstories: Complex histories explain why characters carry certain flaws. In Merlin, the titular character’s secret magical identity and the burden of protecting Camelot add layers to his internal conflict.

  
  

• Emotional stakes: Writers raise the stakes by connecting flaws to what characters care about most. In Squid Game, Gi-hun’s desperation and guilt over his family’s struggles drive his risky choices, making his flaws central to the plot.

  
  

• Moments of vulnerability: Allowing characters to show weakness makes them human. It invites readers and viewers to root for their healing or redemption.

  
  

• Balancing light and dark: Even broken characters have moments of humor, kindness, or hope. This balance prevents them from becoming one-dimensional and keeps the audience emotionally engaged.

  
  

A close-up of a book symbolizing the depth of character development in storytelling

Examples from Popular Fandoms

Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games

Katniss’s flaws include emotional detachment, distrust, and survivor’s guilt. Her trauma from loss and violence makes it difficult for her to form healthy relationships. These struggles make her feel human rather than heroic, and her resistance becomes powerful because it costs her so much.

Bucky Barnes from Marvel

Bucky’s brainwashing and years of violence leave him with deep trauma and identity loss. His flaws include isolation, self-hatred, and fear of himself. Watching him fight for control over his own mind makes his journey heartbreaking and unforgettable.

Dean Winchester from Supernatural

Dean’s flaws include self-sacrifice to the point of self-destruction, emotional repression, and guilt. He believes his life only has value if he is protecting others, making his pain constant and his heroism tragically costly.

Billy Hargrove from Stranger Things

Billy’s flaws are rooted in abuse, anger, and deep emotional repression. He lashes out, hurts others, and hides his fear behind violence and control. While his actions are often unforgivable, the show reveals the trauma that shaped him — a childhood filled with cruelty and neglect. His internal battle between who he became and who he could have been makes him tragic rather than simple. In the end, his choice to protect others shows that even the most broken characters still carry the possibility of redemption.

The Role of Mental Health in Character Appeal

Mental health is a key aspect of many flawed characters. When portrayed with care and accuracy, it adds depth and realism. It also opens conversations about stigma and healing.

For example, BoJack Horseman is often praised for its honest depiction of depression and addiction. Similarly, characters like Sherlock (BBC Sherlock) and Anakin Skyalker (Star Wars) show how trauma and stress shape behavior.

Writers who research and portray mental health thoughtfully create characters that resonate beyond entertainment. They offer representation and foster empathy.

A cozy reading nook symbolizing the comfort readers find in flawed characters

What Readers and Writers Can Take Away

For readers, flawed characters offer a mirror and a window. They reflect personal struggles and provide insight into others’ experiences. This connection makes stories memorable and meaningful.

For writers and filmmakers, crafting flawed characters requires honesty and nuance. Avoid clichés or one-dimensional portrayals. Instead, focus on:

• Creating believable flaws tied to character goals and backstory

• Showing vulnerability alongside strength

• Balancing darkness with moments of hope or humour

• Portraying mental health with respect and accuracy

  
  

By doing so, creators can make audiences feel deeply, turning stories into emotional journeys that linger long after the last page or scene. After all, it’s the flaws, not the powers or victories, that make characters unforgettable. Their fears, doubts, and struggles mirror our own, showing us resilience, empathy, and the messy beauty of being human. It is their imperfections that stay with us long after the story ends...

Stacey Lannigan

Author of Fantasy & Folklore Fiction for YA & NA Readers

@authorStaceyLannigan