Workshop
Design Character Flaws
$15
Learn to strategically choose flaws for your character that grow out of her values and drive her toward meaningful change. Design flaws that create plot roadblocks for the character, thereby also developing your storyline.

Barbara Vance
Instructor
14
lessons
1h 22m
video runtime
1
download
- About
- Syllabus
- Reviews
- Instructor
- Guarantee
Course Description
Designing a character’s flaws is an integral part of the character development process because flaws are intimately connected to the plot. They create conflict and generate problems the character must overcome.
But you need to construct them the right way.
You do not want to just choose flaws that seem interesting. You want to choose the right flaws for this character in this story. Otherwise, her flaws don’t drive the plot and, therefore, lack relevance.
When crafted properly, the flaws drive the character arc, create plot events, contribute to backstory, and much more.
This workshop addresses:
- The many kinds of flaws a person can have
- How to balance a characters flaws so she is three dimensional
- Crafting backstory that explains the flaw
- Designing the character's beliefs that drive her flaws
- How flaws drive the overarching story
This course includes
- An extensive class outline to follow along with the video lessons
- A comprehensive worksheet that walks you through character-flaw development
Students have course access for 365 days. All worksheets and notes are downloadable.

What's Inside
This workshop includes class notes so you can follow along with the video lectures and worksheets to help you design all of your characters’ unique flaws.
Course Content

What People Are Saying
“Another brilliant lecture. Having completed this course I have a much deeper understanding of the fundamentals of character flaws. I feel like not enough emphasis is put on character flaws and weaknesses in the other literature and Youtube videos I have watched. From completing this and other courses by Barbara Vance I have such a complex understanding to storytelling. Writing seems like building a house, if you haven’t a strong foundation, the whole thing will fall apart.”

Sam
Student
“I appreciated how the instructor gave in-depth examples to illustrate the points being made. It was easier to put the pieces together with those examples. Also the teacher is has a manner that makes her very watchable. This is truly good information in this class. I was pleased with how meaty it actually is.”

Kimberly
Student
“Barbara Vance does an amazing job of explaining what character flaws are, how to manage them and why they are important in any story. I would strongly recommend this class to everyone, as there are many details which you yourself may have missed and which are sure to greatly help you flesh out your character(s).”

Alexandros
Student
“Barbara Vance has the best classes about creative writing. No doubt! I’m a first-time writer and it helped me A LOT!”

Edelweis
Student
“Wonderful! Helped me think more deeply about my characters and how they impact the plot.”

Ellie
Student
“Love it, thank you once again!”

Zachary
Student
“These are some important ideas to think about.”

Kris
Student
“I got a lot out of this course; thanks for offering it.”

Carney
Student
“Awesome.”

Sam
Student
Barbara Vance, PhD
I am a writer and instructor who has been blessed to help thousands of writers bring their stories to life.
My degrees include a B.A. in literature, an MA in Literature and Creative Writing, and a PhD in storytelling and media. Prior to launching my own company, I taught writing and storytelling at a tier-one university.
Over the past sixteen years I have developed a widely acclaimed collection of courses designed to help writers develop their stories, stay on track, and finish what they start . . . even while juggling busy careers and a family.
I am also the author of a multi-award-winning poetry collection, and my poems are licensed for use in anthologies and curricula around the world.

No Risk 7-day, Money-back Guarantee
If you take the course and don’t feel like it helped, simply reach out to us, show us you have made an effort, and we will refund your full investment.
