Characters and Their False Beliefs

By georgelthomas on 13 Aug 2024 • ( 0 )

Hi everyone! How are you all? Today, I am exploring the subject of ‘character’ again, and this time I’m looking specifically at the ‘false beliefs’ a character can hold, which can help drive a story forward.

Characters and Their False Beliefs

When crafting a compelling work of fiction, one element that can help bring characters to life is their false beliefs.

What are False Beliefs?
False beliefs are essentially misconceptions or misunderstandings that characters hold about themselves, others, or the world around them. These beliefs can arise from previous life experiences, traumatic events, inner insecurities or even societal norms. By giving your characters false beliefs, you are humanising them and making them more well-rounded and relatable to your readers.

A false belief can be a powerful driving force behind a character’s actions and decisions throughout the story. Whether it’s a protagonist who believes they are unworthy of love due to past trauma or an antagonist convinced that their destructive actions are justified, these misconceptions shape their motivations and drive the plot forward.

Why are False Beliefs Important?
False beliefs are important because they can provide opportunities for the development of characters. As the story progresses, characters may come up against evidence that challenges their misconceptions, forcing them to reevaluate their beliefs and ultimately undergo personal growth and transformation. This internal conflict also adds richness to the narrative, allowing readers to witness a character’s evolution as they grapple with their falsehoods and strive for self-awareness.

In addition to driving plot progression and character development, false beliefs can create tension and conflict within relationships between other characters. Misguided assumptions can lead to misunderstandings, betrayals, or heated confrontations that can add fuel to the story. By exploring how false beliefs impact interpersonal dynamics, you can add extra complexity to your character interactions and create engaging and compelling conflicts that keep readers hooked.

Incorporating False Beliefs
Incorporating false beliefs into your character development process requires careful consideration and planning. It’s necessary to understand each character’s backstory, motivations, and internal conflicts so you can authentically portray their false beliefs. Take the time to explore why your characters hold these beliefs, think about how they manifest in their thoughts and actions, and what impact they have on the overall narrative arc of your story.

As ever, thank you for spending some time with me today! I hope you found today’s post interesting!

Until next time,

George