Writing Nowadays–Flaws vs. Weaknesses

Odysseus was proud. Bilbo Baggins was shy and cowardly. Othello wouldn’t listen.

Superman barfs in the presence of kryptonite. Vampires die in sunlight. Silver poisons werewolves.

See the difference?

Every hero has to have a flaw. A flaw is a mental or psychological problem that hold him or her back in some way. Odysseus is too proud to acknowledge the gods’ role in the destruction of Troy, so Poseidon curses him. Bilbo is shy and quiet, and he misses key parts of the adventures early on as a re...