How to Fix Annoying Characters in Your Writing

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Ever written a character you thought was perfect, only to find out your readers couldn’t stand them? You’re not alone. Many writers struggle with creating characters that are well-rounded and enjoyable.

Sometimes, a character’s traits—intentional or unintentional—can become annoying and disrupt your storytelling. Let’s talk about how you can identify these traits and what you can do to fix them.

What Is an Annoying Character?

An annoying character is someone who disrupts the flow of your story because their traits, actions, or dialogue frustrate the reader. These characters often feel unrealistic, one-dimensional, or just over the top. Some common signs include:

  • Whininess: Constant complaining without any real reason.
  • Overconfidence: Characters who are arrogant but lack the skills to back it up.
  • Repetitiveness: Saying or doing the same things over and over without adding new depth.
  • Stereotypical: Relying too much on clichés rather than unique traits.

Think about a character you’ve written or read about who felt like they were just “too much.” Maybe they didn’t contribute to the story or kept saying things that didn’t make sense. That’s the kind of character we’re talking about here.

They’re a problem in storytelling because they pull the audience out of their immersion. Imagine reading a book where the main character’s actions make you cringe every time they’re on the page. It’s hard to focus on the rest of the story when you’re dreading their next line.

Annoying is Subjective

What one reader finds annoying, another might find endearing. However, some traits are generally considered annoying:

  • Over-the-top drama: Characters who constantly escalate situations unnecessarily.
  • Lack of growth: A character who stays the same, without learning from their mistakes.
  • Repetitive catchphrases: Those characters who keep saying the same thing over and over—without adding anything new.

On the flip side, many characters that could be seen as annoying are beloved by fans. Think of characters like Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory. His quirks could be grating, but his development and relationships with others help balance his personality.

How to Fix an Annoying Character

Now that we’ve talked about what makes a character annoying, let’s look at how you can fix it.

Identify the problem.

Look at their actions, dialogue, and personality traits. Does their behavior feel forced? Ask yourself these questions:

  • Does the character add to the story, or do they just take up space?
  • Do their actions make sense, or are they just over the top for no reason?
  • Are they relatable, or do they feel unrealistic?

Or show your work to prospective readers. It’s hard to be impartial to something you’ve worked on. Ask your beta readers and critique partners specific questions about your characters. Sometimes, if a character is particularly annoying, your readers will let you know right away!

Balance strengths and weaknesses.

Characters who are too perfect or too flawed tend to be annoying. Balance is key. If your character is overly confident, balance it with moments of doubt. If they’re too shy, give them moments of courage. By showing both their strengths and weaknesses, you’ll make them feel more real and relatable.

And give them space for growth. A character trait is more acceptable when your readers watch it develop throughout the story.

Avoid cliches.

Think about your character’s personality and background. Is their behavior based on a tired trope? If so, consider giving them more depth or flipping the trope on its head.

Establish their motivations. Why do they act the way they do? What drives them? Providing context for their behavior can make them feel more authentic and less annoying. Your characters should drive the plot, not just be there for decoration.

Adjust dialogue.

Sometimes, the most annoying characters come from repetitive dialogue. If your character always says the same thing, switch it up. Your character’s words should feel natural and unique to separate them from others.

Try to avoid catchphrases unless they truly serve a purpose to the character’s development. Even then, don’t repeat them too frequently. Catchphrases are iconic because they’re used in the right moments.

Use other characters for perspective.

Let other characters comment on or react to the annoying character’s behavior. Their observations provide context to help the audience understand the character’s actions. Explore how these annoying traits affect their relationship.

Being annoying should have a purpose.

If a character needs to be annoying, make it serve a purpose. Perhaps their quips stem from a trauma response, hinting at an emotional wound. Or maybe their overconfidence masks insecurities they’re too afraid to confront.

It adds complexity to your character while justifying their behavior to your audience.

Test your changes.

Once you’ve made adjustments, ask beta readers for feedback. Test how your changes impact the character’s overall presence in the story. Do they still feel annoying, or are they more relatable now?

Conclusion

Fixing an annoying character doesn’t mean completely overhauling them. Rather, you adjust them to be more relatable and engaging for your readers.

If you’re struggling with a character right now, take a step back, assess, and think about how to make them shine. Remember: every character has potential, and with a little work, they can add richness to your story instead of taking away from it.

How do you fix your annoying characters? Share your thoughts below!

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