Comments on: Seven Deadly Sins of Novel Writing: Counterfeit Characters https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/ Helping writers become bestselling authors Wed, 19 Feb 2025 17:53:08 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 By: Stepping Out & 7 DEADLY WRITING SINS | WRITERS HELPING WRITERSWRITERS HELPING WRITERS https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-17742 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 04:19:54 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-17742 […] SIN # 2: Counterfeit Characters […]

]]> By: 3 Big Problems with Describing Emotions, LINKS & an Update | WRITERS HELPING WRITERS https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-16706 Wed, 06 Nov 2013 02:28:39 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-16706 […] Sin # 2 Counterfeit Characters […]

]]> By: The Seven Deadly Sins of Novel Writing | WRITERS HELPING WRITERS https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-16364 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 19:44:33 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-16364 […] Sin # 2 Counterfeit Characters […]

]]> By: Angela Ackerman https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-7355 Thu, 05 May 2011 16:06:45 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-7355 Thanks everyone for the kind words! I’m so glad this series is helpful to you all. 🙂

Angela

]]> By: Tiffany A White https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-7339 Wed, 04 May 2011 15:46:00 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-7339 Helpful post, thank you! I’m always looking for writing tips, and found you today in #MyWANA! Perfect…

]]> By: R.J. Edwards https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-7336 Wed, 04 May 2011 14:05:50 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-7336 I love this Seven Deadly Sins of Writing series. Thank you for giving me so much to think about.

]]> By: Ana C. Nunes https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-3057 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:46:38 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-3057 This one made me think a lot about my characters. Love the 7 deadly sins for authors.

]]> By: ralfast https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-3030 Fri, 25 Dec 2009 16:48:42 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-3030 An interesting list to say the least.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

]]> By: Uninvoked https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-3019 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 04:02:22 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-3019 Hey this is Silver1 from CC. Great to see you! I can’t agree with your list more. It’s perfect!

]]> By: Creative A https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-3018 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:09:46 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-3018 Even if there is an unbalanced set of circumstances to contend with, NEVER make the sole focus on what a character has or doesn’t have. Instead emphasize what they DO with what they have. A boy can live a perfect, privileged life and still make bad choices. Or a girl can have the odds stacked against her and still succeed through perseverance and the support of those around her. Humanize the character by showing them overcoming weakness and honing strengths to get what they desire.

I think this is particularly good advice. IMHO, this is one of those big things that reframe a stereotype character into someone unique and worth reading about.

Great list!

]]> By: Marian https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-3017 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:28:27 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-3017 Very informative post!

An example of counterfeit, to me, would be the author saying one thing and the character saying another. For instance, if the author (through other characters) comments on how intelligent the heroine is, but the heroine then does something very foolish. The showing is always going to speak louder than the telling.

]]> By: DK https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-3016 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:58:43 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/12/seven-deadly-sins-of-novel-writing-part-ii/#comment-3016 What also happens sometimes is that the characters act unmotivated, like the dumb girl in a horror-movie going inside that dark room where the killer hides.

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