How to Find Your Character's MISBELIEF (or Fatal Flaw)

What's up, my friends? Today I'm devoting a whole video to the question I get asked a lot: "HOW exactly do I figure out my character's misbelief?" We know that all conflicted characters MUST have a lie they believe – which is the compass they live by today. But how do you FIND this lie? That's what today's video is all about. I'm going to show you my super simple 10-step process for uncovering your character's unique misbelief...and it will make your story more compelling and memorable than 90% of the books on the market right now. Let's go!

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✨ V A L U A B L E R E S O U R C E S✨

MORE VIDEOS YOU WOULD LIKE:

→ USING THE ENNEAGRAM FOR WRITING GOOD CHARACTERS

→ HOW TO WRITE FLASHBACKS

→ HOW TO WRITE POWERFUL SIDE CHARACTERS

→ HOW TO WRITE THEME INTO YOUR STORY

✨F O L L O W ✨

✨ A B O U T ✨
My name is Abbie Emmons I teach writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling, transforming their ideas into a masterpiece, and creating a lifestyle that makes their author dreams come true.

Story isn’t about “what happens” — it’s about how what happens affects and transforms the characters. I believe that there is an exact science (a recipe, if you will) behind a perfect story. And if you know what ingredients you need, you can create your own perfect story with ease and confidence. That’s what we talk about every week on this channel – and if it’s something you’re into, be sure to subscribe and join this community!

[rociomiranda]

For anybody who may read my comment: sometimes you have to start writing, even finish a first draft, before you can figure out what you want to say, this truth that is driving the story. Abbie's advice is great and I watch all her videos, but in the end it comes down to who you are and how your brain works. There isn't a method that works exactly the same for every writer. In my case I often write to find out what I think and how I feel.

[kaileyspencer]

You know, I watched Disney's "The Princess and the Frog" today, and when you started talking about dissatisfaction because what they believed they wanted isn't actually what will make them happy. Tiana believed that working super hard to get her restaurant was what she wanted, but she realized that it was the people she loved that made her truly happy. After all, what are dreams if we don't have people to share them with? And Naveen, he thought being rich and partying all the time would bring him happiness, but he discovered that being with Tiana and seeing her happy is truly what he wanted, so much so that he was willing to be a frog forever just to spend that forever with her.

[Amy_Mi]

Who needs therapy when we have Abbie?? Writing advise AND answers to why I struggle with anxiety issues — yes, please!

[ExploreImagineDefineCreate]

My character's disbelief: you need excitement and adventure to live a happy and fulfilling life.
The story is set in a fantasy world were the MC wants to become an Adventurer/Traveler. However, as many warn about the many dangers and hardships he begins to learn that his choices and actions have consequences. He will need to grow up and leave the life of thrills behind to settle and focus on himself and what truly makes him happy.

[bethanyalister]

My character’s misbelief is that showing signs of emotion is weakness and that letting people in will only slow her down. So she learns throughout that it’s okay to have emotions and it doesn’t make you any weaker for crying about nothing, or falling in love or for laughing at something stupid. And I guess my story isn’t about a character discovering themselves but about *exploring* the deepest parts of yourself that are even hidden from you

[writingrose]

My characters misbelief is, if he tries something once and fails it means it will never work. Which of course is not true, especially for me who never gives up on anything xx

[hectorsantanalizardo]

Step 1: Find your story's (truth) theme (1:36).
Step 2: Flip this true upside down and make it a lie (2:59).
Step 3: What could've happened in my character's past to make them believe such a thing (3:29).
Step 4: Write that backstory scene for your character (4:19).
Step 5: Describe (or write) other scenes in the character's past that cemented this misbelief as truth to them (5:04).
Step 6: Ask yourself how is my character dissatisfied with their life today because they believe this lie so firmly? (6:07).
Step 7: Ask yourself: What my character thinks will make them happy, based on their misbelief? (6:54).
Step 8: Ask yourself: what steps could my character take now to actively pursue this goal (7:47).
Step 9: Clarify the motive, the goal, and the plot (8:47).
Step 10: Let this drive the story forward (9:15).

[Rambrus]

My Characters misbelief is that you have to be special to matter. My main issue is that im unexperience in how to explore that topic.
I want to explore how you dont have to be talented or gifted to be a valuable person, to have a value in the world. Its enough if you are kind and caring towards others and you can make much bigger changes in the world just by beeing a kind person, than beeing a genius.

UI: The funniest part that as im writing this down, my goal is becoming much clearer to me. I value your videos Abbie and thank you for your many helpful videos

[Akigirl]

My overarching theme is that true freedom is an illusion. It can be found in any circumstance/situation. It all depends on your point of view and what makes you truly happy. The two main characters are from different backgrounds and have found themselves in a similar situation.

Shawn is from a higher status family and is set to be a member of council for the up and coming heiress. His false truth is that finding the humor in everything will make him happy. He takes pride in doing what is expected of him, but his freedom is doing it in his own way.

Agatha is from a lower status family and at a young age, shows that she posses powers. As customary with the few individuals each generation who possess power, they are set to be a member of council. Her parents and herself are now set for life and she has a coveted position of power, but the tasks and expectations make her feel trapped. Her false truth is that she will never be free until she can get away from all of it.

Together they explore different views on what freedom means. In the end, they teach other that sometimes you need to fight for the freedom that you want and other times you have to enjoy the freedom that you already have

[umagonz]

unbelievable ! After I answered all the questions and then added the motive, the goal and the plot, my mind was blown away. It makes it way more easier to understand ! And my main character's misbelief is "You need certainty to be happy/ You can't be happy and live with uncertainty" . Great video as always !!!

[imani]

Oh gosh, my character has multiple misbeliefs. Layers of lies. 😂
Thank you for your amazing and insightful content!

[rebeccaa]

Abbie you’re a GENIUS I’ve been brainstorming stories my whole life and I’m finally trying to write a book and you’ve helped me so much you deserve so much recognition thank you!

[alainad]

The character I'm currently working on (I'm writing a series and juggling four protagonists...so erm, *currently* is the key word there) believes that if he ever chooses himself over his family (particularly his brother...who's sort of a villain?) then he has failed them. The next layer to that misbelief is that he is able to constantly give and give and give without hurting himself; he basically is unaware of the fact that he sees himself as sub-human. Anyways, your video helped me so much in clarifying, not only this particular character, but all of them!

[melodid]

My charakters missbelieve is that he can't ever be or show his true self because no one will ever accept or love him this way!

[jadrael]

The whole "big truth" and then "flip it upside down" was revelatory for me. Thanks! Going from "Chasing your dream is better if you have someone by your side" to "Chasing your dream only works if you do it alone" creates a great starting point for a story. Similarly, "Sometimes, you have to to be willing to give up your dreams for the one you love" turning into "Sometimes, you have to chase your dreams, even if you lose the ones you love" is really neat. These videos are very helpful!

[ricekrispies]

So I've recently been watching Vinland, which is still ongoing at the moment. I was more than a little mind-blown as you kept breaking this video down. I'm like, honestly awed at how clearly these ideas translate into the protagonist's misbelief and overarching theme of the current story I've been eating up like a hungry animal. You've opened my eyes Abbie

[verilykyrie]

Loved this video! My character’s misbelief is that there is one person in the world she is meant to be with and if she doesn’t make it work with him, no one will ever truly love her.

[MuhsinahM]

Every time watching your videos just pushes me to grab the notebook, uncap the pen and just Write!!

Well, I have written my first short story of 20+ pages.

Thank you so much.
Loads of love from India🥰

[allisonhodge]

I'd love a case study video to go along with this one!

I'd say two of my MC's false beliefs are "I can’t depend on others and have to fend for myself" and "I can’t protect the people I care about."

[umagonz]

Yessss thank you so much for this !!! I've finished doing an outline but my protags misbelief is a little shaky