Letting Character Vulnerabilities Shape Your Plot: Four Practical Steps

In this focused deep dive, our hosts unpack the transformative power of character flaws in storytelling, inspired by Wendy Van Camp’s article from Indie Author Magazine. Rather than treating imperfections as mere obstacles or plot devices, the hosts explore how flaws and vulnerabilities can fuel a story’s momentum and breathe life into memorable characters.

You’ll hear practical steps for letting characters—and their imperfections—guide your narrative, all delivered in an inviting, insightful conversation. From discovering core flaws, to letting your characters lead the plot, to the importance of revisiting your draft with fresh eyes, we break down an actionable, organic approach to character-driven fiction.

Timestamps for Key Segments:

• 00:01:36 – Why Flaws Matter: The hosts introduce the episode’s theme and examine how character flaws can be the engine for deeply resonant stories.

• 00:02:28 – Flaws as Fuel: Insights from Wendy Van Camp’s experience writing her first novel and letting flaw-based character arcs drive the narrative.

• 00:03:24 – Embracing the Shadow: The importance of tapping into both characters’ and authors’ own struggles for authentic storytelling, referencing Joanna Penn's concept of "the shadow."

• 00:05:00 – Step One: Deep Character Excavation: The first of Van Camp’s four steps—digging deep into your character’s background, desires, and fears.

• 00:07:10 – Step Two: Let Them Lead: Practical guidance on letting character flaws dictate actions and discovering organic plot structure.

• 00:08:25 – Step Three: Identifying Key Moments: How to spot pivotal moments of growth and conflict as they arise naturally from character-driven storytelling.

• 00:10:38 – Step Four: Revisit and Reflect: Why returning to your completed draft with a focus on character arc can make your narrative feel cohesive and lived-in.

• 00:12:12 – Key Takeaways: The hosts discuss how writing from flaw can transform both your fiction and your understanding of storytelling.

If you want your stories (and characters!) to linger in readers’ minds, this episode is for you.