Intentional vs. Unintentional Character Flaws: How to Tell the Difference

Few things are more frustrating than reading a story and not knowing whether a character's flaws are on purpose or just bad writing. Is this person meant to be annoying, reckless, or hypocritical—or did the author simply not realize how grating they are? Are we meant to sympathize with them, question them, or cheer them on blindly?

Here’s how to figure that out.

What Are We Actually Asking?

This isn’t just about whether a character is flawed. Flaws are essential. The real question is:

Is this flaw intentional and well-used? Or is it a product of the author’s blind spot, making the character feel inconsistent, annoying, or even morally off without the story knowing it?

It’s the difference between a character flaw and a writing flaw.

The Core Differences

Trait	Intentional Flaw	Unintentional Flaw
Narrative Awareness	The story acknowledges the flaw; characters react to it.	The story ignores the flaw or rewards it.
Thematic Function	Ties into the story’s message or arc.	Contradicts or undermines the message.
Character Arc	The flaw causes growth or downfall.	The flaw stays static and unexamined.
Conflict Impact	Creates meaningful tension.	Makes conflict shallow or confusing.
Audience Reaction	We understand the purpose behind the flaw.	We get annoyed, confused, or alienated.

How to Tell If a Flaw Is Intentional

1. Check for In-Universe Feedback

Do other characters call out the behavior? Is there conflict or commentary around it?

In Breaking Bad, Walter White’s pride is constantly challenged—by Skyler, Jesse, even Hank. The show knows it’s a fatal flaw.

If the flaw goes unchallenged, or worse, is validated by everyone? That’s a red flag.

2. Look at Plot Consequences

Does the flaw lead to failure, chaos, hurt feelings, broken relationships?

Impulsiveness causing a mission to fail = intentional. Impulsiveness leading to victory every time = probably unintentional.

3. Tie to Genre Expectations

Some genres play with flaws differently. Comedy forgives more. Tragedy punishes harder. But every genre still needs internal logic.

A smug antihero in a noir story? Makes sense. A smug character in a serious drama who’s treated as wise and heroic? Not so much.

4. See If It Connects to Their Arc

A good flaw fuels transformation or tragedy. It should mean something.

A perfectionist who burns out and learns to let go? That’s intentional. A perfectionist who never changes and is always right? Flat writing.

5. Read the Subtext

Is this character a mouthpiece for the author? A wish-fulfillment fantasy? Do they win arguments they shouldn’t or never get challenged?

If it feels like the author is writing themselves or venting through the character, the flaw probably isn’t a conscious design choice.

Warning Signs of Unintentional Flaws

• The story rewards the flaw constantly.

• Other characters praise or excuse bad behavior.

• The character is clearly framed as awesome but feels insufferable.

• Their actions contradict their values, yet no one notices.

• The flaw exists but doesn’t affect the story.

What a Well-Executed Flaw Looks Like

Tony Stark (MCU)

• Flaw: Arrogance, need for control

• Acknowledged: Yes, constantly.

• Consequences: Ultron, Civil War, personal losses

• Arc: Learns sacrifice, responsibility

Rey (Star Wars Sequel Trilogy)

• Claimed Flaw: Naivete, impulsiveness?

• Acknowledged: Barely.

• Consequences: Few.

• Result: Mixed reception—many felt she lacked a compelling arc.

Writer Checklist: Making Flaws Intentional

1. Tie the flaw into the character’s misbelief or wound.

2. Let it drive real conflict and hard consequences.

3. Have other characters notice and respond to it.

4. Build it into the arc—for better or worse.

5. Decide what your story thinks about this flaw. Don’t be ambiguous unless that’s the point.

Final Take

A good flaw makes a character human. A bad one makes them feel like a badly written puppet. The key difference is whether the author has their eyes open. Are they designing flaws to serve the story? Or did they create a mess and just never noticed?

If the flaw is challenged, consequential, and meaningful? You’re dealing with intentional character design. If not?

Well... then you’re probably just watching a train wreck in denial.

Want to test a character through this lens? Run them through the checklist above. Or better: use it to rework your own characters before readers start asking, "Wait... am I supposed to like this person?"