Why is it that when things are perfect, it's wrong?

The science fiction movie, "The Matrix", has a great monologue from the character Mr. Smith. In it, he says that a prior version of the computer simulation failed because it was perfect and humans rejected it out of hand. It's an interesting thought, and it's also likely true. Whenever there's perfection--such as in sport or art--we immediately look for trickery, for mirrors and smoke, anything to make it so we aren't inadequate in comparison. So, we prefer our worlds to have flaws, because that makes them more "real."

This brings us to the common advice all new writers are given: give your character a flaw, something that makes them vulnerable. What's interesting is these don't necessarily have to be real. For instance, my favorite detective, Columbo, makes a big deal of being a bumbling fool, yet is actually highly intelligent and uses this seeming vulnerability to put suspects into a state of arrogance. Batman's flaws are his childhood trauma and also his unwillingness to kill, which limits his options and thus forces creativity. You see, flaws expand a character rather than limit them--and that's why perfection is so hard to believe, because perfection requires nothing else.

Authors can use this sense of reality to incredible effect. Audiences may not even realize their being manipulated. If you're watching a suspense movie and the hairs stand up on the back of your neck without you knowing why, it's likely the author is pricking your sense of reality. Think of it like a magic trick--lovely to watch, infuriating to work out how it's done, and ultimately unfulfilling when you know all the details. However, as an author, the thrill is in watching the audience react, and enjoying the amazed looks and bewildered chatter. So, don't let perfection stop you. Get out there and mess stuff up!

- M