Identifying Core Values vs Toxic Traits in Character Development
Characters, like everyday people, have depth to their personality. They are not one dimensional. Just like us, characters are complex. The person they show in one situation, may not be the same person that shines in another.
By examining the multi-facets of a character, specifically by analyzing the concepts of core values versus toxic traits, writers can then begin framing tension and conflict that keep readers’ attention throughout the whole story.
What is Duality of Personality?
The Duality of Personality concept isn’t as difficult as the number of syllables in the words or getting lost in the alliteration. Duality at its most basic level denotes two distinct sides, or traits, that a character struggles with internally versus how they hide that struggle in everyday life.
Characters display different personas in different situations. These two sides often collide, and that’s what makes great character arcs. It’s an internal tug-of-war. One aspect of the character has a deep-rooted understanding of who they are (the authentic-self), but fears the external world won’t accept them (the shadow-self); hence, the duality of their personality.
Core values are the foundation of the authentic-self, while toxic traits are formed by subduing a character’s true nature. By combining these two concepts, writers can choreograph a beautiful tango that’s shared in a metaphorical dance throughout the story. It starts as an angry pirouette between core values and toxic traits, but as the story progresses, the character recognizes who they truly are versus who they’ve been told to become. This is conflict and tension rearing its ugly, but important head, to capture readers’ attention.
What are Core Values?
Core values are the fundamental or guiding principles your character uses to make decisions. They are made up of a character’s authentic-self. Think of these values as the positive construct of a character’s identity that often motivate growth, connection, and ethical behavior. But like previously discussed, this natural persona is sometimes crushed and buried deep within your character. They hide their true nature because, more than likely, the environment doesn’t allow for such honesty, compassion, loyalty, and/or fairness. The world is a tough place and characters adapt by introducing their shadow-self, or toxic traits to adapt.
What are Toxic Traits?
Toxic traits are the negative aspects of a character’s personality. They have been termed as masks because they hide authentic-self, often to avoid uncomfortable situations. Over time, these masks arise from unresolved issues, fears, or defense mechanisms. Some examples of this behavior are manipulation, dishonesty, abuse, and/ or control.
The clash between core values and toxic traits naturally generates internal and external conflict. This leads to more riveting plot points and character arcs.
Combining Core Values & Toxic Traits for Story Arc
Story is about change, and there’s no better way to create an unforgettable character arc then by understanding and incorporating core values and toxic traits. By building the foundation of the constant internal struggle, writers can show readers how the protagonist is in relentless brawl with not only the external world, but themselves.
The clash is about the basic yearning for the character’s independence, or personal sovereignty, and feeling tugged, pulled, and practically forgotten in a world that simply just doesn’t understand them. But that understanding isn’t the purpose of story in essence; it’s about the character seeing, on a deeper level, that the world doesn’t change. She changes by confronting all the flaws she’s refused to acknowledge.
Happy Writing,
-RADolence