I’ve mentioned once or twice that I don’t like perfect characters. I love flaws in my characters and I love flaws in other characters. It makes them more realistic and the reader can relate to them more. Still, I do have a few characters who I would label as unstoppable. They aren’t perfect, but for some reason, I can never see them losing in my head.
This came to mind when somebody was talking to me about how my character, Luke Callindor, would lose to Luke Skywalker. First of all, this isn’t a fair fight because Skywalker has the Force and an energy sword. My Luke is out of his league and will probably lose 7 out of 10 times because of a Force push, Force choke (I know he isn’t a Sith Lord), or his sabers getting sliced through by the lightsaber. I could argue about situational and sneak attacks, but that’s why I’m still giving my Luke a chance at winning. When he gets more abilities then I’d up him to 5 out of 10 times, but that Force thing is still a challenge for a close-range fighter. So, I conceded the point and then pointed out that Skywalker would be slaughtered as soon as Callindor hit the ground.
Here’s my reason: Nyx.
She has the power to incinerate cities and she’d go berserk on the person who kills Luke, her ‘little brother’. This guy continued to argue in favor of the Force and I continued to argue in favor of my walking magical powerhouse. Eventually, it got ridiculous when I had Nyx scorch earth the entire planet. It was at that point that I realized that I couldn’t rationalize Nyx losing in a fight that she could use her magic in. I mean, she loses a few fights in the books due to having to use restraint or something else that minimizes or negates her magic. Yet, here I was basically saying that she was unbeatable and getting angrier the more I’m being denied.
In the end, I left the conversation in a funk and continued dreaming about Nyx laying waste to every Star Wars character that I could think of. Eventually, I calmed down and tried to figure out why I do this. I still don’t have a good answer. Though, I did realize that Nyx isn’t my worst offender. That would be Clyde, my progenitor vampire. Unlike Nyx, I don’t think I ever have him lose in his series. Maybe once or twice, but those times are because he didn’t feel like fighting. I would assume that this is because I never lost a fight with him when I played him in a game.
Maybe my main confusion is why I’m more than willing to concede that Luke Callindor would lose a fight, but I get angry that somebody states that Nyx would lose. Luke was me for two and a half years, so one would assume that I’d make myself out to be the constant winner. It just doesn’t make any sense to me, but it also makes me wonder if this is unique or common.
Do any other authors out there have characters that they can never imagine losing a fight or hold them up to an insanely high pedestal?
Legends of Windemere 
I don’t think I could do a hero without at least one significant flaw. But, I’m not writing fantasy. I can see near flawless character in fantasy. However, even the hero toons in LoTR had flaws.
LikeLike
You’re right. Every character needs at least one significant flaw. Even in fantasy, a flawless character is too much. You need the possibility of failure or a sense of weakness to really push your character to another level. The two characters I mentioned do have flaws when I write them, but I guess part of me doesn’t like to admit them when I’m being forced to pit them against other characters. Though, I might have to analyze Clyde some more to pinpoint his flaws. Unless being one step away from declaring war on everything with a pulse, having no restraint in combat, and ruling with a bladed iron fist count as flaws. He really is my inner monster.
LikeLike
I think being a warmonger is a considerable flaw…
So, your inner monster is a iron fisted warmonger? Don’t let him out.
LikeLike
Technically, he’s a vengeful, battle-loving vampire who prefers to be left alone with his kind. Clyde will have to step out at some point. I have an eight book series revolving around him. We’ve got an understanding that if you takes over, things won’t go well and he’ll never get to play again.
LikeLike
Maybe the perceived flaws are what make them perfect
LikeLike
Never considered that. Nyx’s temper and Clyde’s brutality are what give them their edge. They seem to make them more dangerous than Luke’s recklessness.
LikeLike
Exactly!
I always think of our flaws as our strengths if we turn them around, and often people love to label our strengths as perceived flaws! Because they really don’t want to deal with us
LikeLike
Very insightful. I think I’m seeing some of my more rambunctious voices in a different light.
LikeLike
Hehe liberating aint it? 😉
LikeLike
At least until they get rowdy when I’m trying to sleep again. 🙂
LikeLike
LOL feed them brandy..that’ll quiet the din, and you’ll rest easy
LikeLike
*looks at Darwin* I not going to give him any alcohol.
LikeLike
Bwaahahahhah scardy cat
LikeLike
I’ve had requests from friends to never let Darwin get drunk. 😉
LikeLike
LOL 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: Revisit: Unstoppable | Legends of Windemere