Ellie asked Leisa Rayven:

I have three heroes that hold a special place in my heart for being the ones that made me feel so much. Gideon Cross, Colton Donavan and Ethan Holt. As a writer, how do you create a character so damaged he does things that should make you hate him and instead evokes compassion? How do you find the right balance of vulnerability? Too much makes him pathetic, too little makes them unsympathetic.

Leisa Rayven Hey, Ellie!
That's a fantastic question, and you're right, it's very hard to balance out insecurity and vulnerability with strength and passion. I think the main thing I'm mindful of when writing flawed characters is making sure they acknowledge any assholish tendencies. I mean, Ethan knows he's a dick. He warns Cassie that he's dysfunctional. I think self-awareness is a big part of making them him sympathetic. Also, his fervent desire to change.
Ethan's not a bad man. He just makes bad, misguided choices.
The thing I always keep in mind when writing my guys and girls is, would I be friends with them? God knows, none of us is perfect, and we're all guilty of making sucky choices every now and then, but recognizing our shortcomings and trying to change for the better should be a goal for us all.
Thanks so much for your question!
Leisa x

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