
The 10 Secrets Of Resilient Characters
Writers Write creates writing resources and shares writing tips. This post on the 10 secrets of resilient characters will help you write your novels and stories.
Are your main characters resilient enough for your story?
The key to surviving in this world – and any fictional world you create – is resilience. It is not the strong who survive, but those who can weather change, because life is nothing but change.
‘Damaged people are dangerous. They know they can survive.’ ~Josephine Hart
You do not need to be braver or bigger or louder. You do need to be able to bend with the wind, get up when you fall, and move forward when it seems impossible. This resilience strengthens you emotionally in either a positive or a negative way, and allows you to continue.
The 10 Secrets Of Resilient Characters
Resilient characters:
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Accept help when they need it.
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Adapt to change.
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Learn how to cope with setbacks and disappointments.
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Focus on finding ways to get around problems, rather than on the problems themselves.
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Make mistakes and then learn from them.
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Learn to accept constructive criticism.
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Make the most of their strengths.
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Recognise their weaknesses.
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Recover from failure and rejection.
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See the bigger picture in challenging situations.
We do not enjoy reading about static characters who are trapped by their thoughts and circumstances. We want them to find that self-belief that forces them out of the prison of their heartaches, tragedies, and even the limitations of their victories.
So dare to create dangerous characters who have more moments of strength than moments of weakness. We love characters who are strong enough to withstand anything we throw at them – these are the characters worth rooting for.
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This is a brillinat way to look at it. I’ve never considered this angle, but I like it 🙂
I’m glad you found it useful.
Amanda I love your insights, I only wish you were in the US. I’d sign up for your classes immediately.
Love your work (I am a follower of yours on Google+)
Thank you, Mike. I am glad you enjoy the posts, here and on Google+.
Reblogged 🙂
Great insights!
I love your list of traits of resilient people and the idea of keeping these in mind when creating characters. Terrific idea!
Thank you for the feedback.
The most resilient character ever: Naruto. That’s why there are about 800 episodes of that show. He is resilience personified. Most of the characters on that show are pretty resilient. It makes for a magnificent story.