I have lost count of how many times I have quit a book because the character is literally a cat-shaped chunk of cardboard. No personality traits whatsoever. That, or they're perfect.

I'm going to describe Glittersparkle to you *clears throat*:

• She's, like, super nice

• Very charming

• Friendly and approachable

• Hilarious (she's a comedic genius)

• Charitable and generous

• Wants to be the best warrior EVER

• Best hunter in the Clan

No offense, Glittersparkle, but I'm tempted to murder you.

Cats and people aren't perfect. Glittersparkle is divine compared to actual personalities. She needs flaws, people! And, like, worthy goals in life.

Let's give Glittersparkle a personality makeover! For each good trait, I'm going to give her a flaw that makes sense for her character.

• Kind

• Rule-follower to a fault

• Charming

• Manipulative and always gets what she wants

• Friendly

• Emotionally clingy

• Generous

• Will suddenly become extremely greedy without warning to compensate

• Outspoken

• Great hunter

• Extremely competitive

• Hopes to start a family

• Funny & witty

There! Glittersparkle has some great personality traits, but also some major flaws that compliment those perks. Her poor qualities make sense as they are related to her good qualities. She also has a realistic goal and a dream to follow.

Now, to introduce you to Logsnout. Let me describe him:

• Uh

• Um

• He, like... does stuff?

• I forgot??

• He talks...I think

• I saw him blink once

Logsnout basically describes most characters that I read about on Wattpad and in published books. So many characters have literally no personality, no traits, no interests, no nothing. It's maddening, and I'm tired of reading about Logsnouts! All they do is react.

How do we fix your Logsnout?

Outline solid personality traits! Write them down! Learn how to bring them out and show them!

Let's go back to Miss Glittersparkle. I wrote down a handful of traits and qualities to reference, and now I can weave them into the writing and show them through her dialogue and actions. We need to do the same for Logsnout before it's too late!

QUICK! Personality traits!

• Empathetic/compassionate

• Kind

• Generous

• Charitable

• Witty

• Funny

• Charming

• Outgoing

• Chatty

• Motherly

• Affectionate

• Loving

• Spineless

• Cowardly

• Sarcastic

• Rude

• Snappy

• Bold

• Confident

• Arrogant

• Conceited

• God-complex

• Sweet

• Brash

• Blunt

• Broody

• Moody

• Anxious

• Nervous

• Skittish

• People-pleaser

• Reckless

• Ruthless

• Apathetic

• Cold

• Warm

• Shy

• Soft-spoken

• Gentle

• Selfish

• Selfless

• Greedy

• Welcoming

• Disrespectful

• Childish

• Uptight

• Distractible

• Driven

• Dedicated

• Clingy

• Distant

• Obsessive

• Courageous

• Concerned

• Impulsive

• Compulsive

• Melancholy

• Optimistic

• Cheery

• Bright

• Glum

• Hyper

• Fun-loving

• Manipulative

• Narcissistic

• Playful

• Naïve

• Dimwitted

• Clever

• Hopeful

• Attention-seeking

• Lawful

• Conniving

• Sly

• Lively

• Honest

• Clumsy

• Ambitious

I think that there's hope for Logsnout, after all! Choose some traits for him with an even balance---or uneven, depending on the character---and give them some life! I beg of you.

Also, pay attention to how these traits make the character behave, and give them resulting quirks. For example, a shy cat may have trouble finding words in conversation and tenses up when others approach them.

BUT WAIT! I have more to say. Let's talk about villians. I'm going to describe Witheredsoul:

• Evil

• Villianous

• Mean

• Rude

• Insults everyone

• Did I mention evil?

• I think I forgot to say, "villianous"

• Only cares about causing mayhem

• Only goal is to be, like, EVIL

• Dark tabby (I had to write that)

• Give me an "E"

• Give me a "V"

• "I"

• "L"

• EVIL!!!11!!1!

Wow. Witheredsoul needs therapy.

So, yes, villians are called "villians" for a reason, but there's more to them than just pure evil. Give them a balanced, full personality---even some good traits, too! Give them relationships, interests, likes, dislikes, and benevolent qualities. I'm going to help Witheredsoul out a little.

• Caring and protective of loved ones

• Blunt

• Bold

• Confident

• Driven

• Loyal

• Lively & energetic

• Open-minded

• Has a family (Aw, look! Diabolicalkit's first evil purr!)

• Has several close friends

• Determined

• Honest

• Ambitious

• Ruthless towards opponents

• Obsessive

• Impulsive

• Fatherly

Would you look at that?! Witheredsoul may be a "bad guy," but he still has redeemable qualities and a life outside of his evil goal.

Villians. Need. Lives. And. Personalities.

Write. It. Down.

Ahem. In summary:

• Outline specific personality traits

• Balance of flaws and good qualities

• Write imperfect characters!

• Villians have lives and personalities