forum How to write a bad boy type character

Started January 19, 2019 by @NotSoBeautifulDiseaster group

tune

I'm trying to write a bad boy type character, I'm trying make him lean more on the friendly, michevous side instead of the jerk with a heart of gold

when you say bad boy, what do you mean by that? i'm just curious as to whether our definitions differ, before i give some pointers!

Well, first of all, let me just say that you've made a good choice by not going for the jerk with a heart of gold trope. With the direction you're going, make him a rule-breaker, but not mean, you know? Make him charismatic, maybe kind of talkative, but always up for sneaking into places he shouldn't be or doing things he shouldn't do. Also, if he gets in trouble with authority a lot, maybe have something happen where he takes up for a friend who did something wrong and he's like, "nope, I did it." Then everyone believes him because he's such a troublemaker. If you're familiar with moral alignment in D&D, what you've described sounds like chaotic good…

when you say bad boy, what do you mean by that? i'm just curious as to whether our definitions differ, before i give some pointers!

Well by my definition is a guy(or gal) toward acts rebellious, most of them wear dark clothing and get around a lot, That about as deep as my definition goes since my knowledge on bad boys is a bit fuzzy

Well, first of all, let me just say that you've made a good choice by not going for the jerk with a heart of gold trope. With the direction you're going, make him a rule-breaker, but not mean, you know? Make him charismatic, maybe kind of talkative, but always up for sneaking into places he shouldn't be or doing things he shouldn't do. Also, if he gets in trouble with authority a lot, maybe have something happen where he takes up for a friend who did something wrong and he's like, "nope, I did it." Then everyone believes him because he's such a troublemaker. If you're familiar with moral alignment in D&D, what you've described sounds like chaotic good…

Ok, Thanks for the advice

Make them willing to hurt others who hurt the people they love.

I would advise keeping the dark clothes and occasional moodiness. But also give him a space where he smiles a lot and can have fun and maybe crack some jokes and love his buddies.

And instead of jerk do quiet gentleman at heart,

And maybe the bad things he does are just in pursuit of good times.

I second all of those^^^

Yay I'm doing good stuff.

I think everyone above me took the words right out of my mouth! Additionally, having him show how much he cares for his friends through action rather than words can be fun to work with, especially if he's rebellious and doesn't mind breaking the law from time to time. Like if one of his friends is short on cash, he casually pickpockets from some random person while they aren't looking to cover for his buddy

Eh, that's criminal. Then he would need an excuse like not understanding why stealing was wrong.

I feel like it would only work if he 1. gave the friend the money without the friend knowing it was stolen and 2. he stole it from someone who doesn't need it (someone rich… kinda like Robin Hood I guess)

I would do more like telling the friend to "Take the f**king money before I hurt you." even though he knows his electricity will be shut off if he doesn't pay soon.

That definitely works too

Also rich peeps are people too and it's not okay to steal from them. That would be like someone less well off than you stealing from you and saying it didn't matter because you could still pay for everything you actually needed.

Less brooding more of a personality. Give him a reason to be in your story arc and make him a character.
RULE NO. 1 OF CHARACTER DESIGNING: Make them a character!

Also rich peeps are people too and it's not okay to steal from them. That would be like someone less well off than you stealing from you and saying it didn't matter because you could still pay for everything you actually needed.

Not saying having him steal is a good idea, but readers are more likely to root for a Robin Hood than for someone who pickpockets indiscriminately.

I agree with all of these.
I'd look at some good examples of bad boys and stay away from the Overprotective And Abusive Douche But He's Good Deep Down (Or At Least Mary-Sue Says He Is) character and do more of a lovable guy with loose morals.

Oh my gosh yesss! Thank you for saying that!

Though go more prankster less antihero on the loose morals.

Also rich peeps are people too and it's not okay to steal from them. That would be like someone less well off than you stealing from you and saying it didn't matter because you could still pay for everything you actually needed.

Not saying having him steal is a good idea, but readers are more likely to root for a Robin Hood than for someone who pickpockets indiscriminately.

Robin Hood stole back what was stolen. (Sorry it's just that I have this thing about people thinking stealing is better if it's against a rich person.)

Also rich peeps are people too and it's not okay to steal from them. That would be like someone less well off than you stealing from you and saying it didn't matter because you could still pay for everything you actually needed.

Not saying having him steal is a good idea, but readers are more likely to root for a Robin Hood than for someone who pickpockets indiscriminately.

Robin Hood stole back what was stolen. (Sorry it's just that I have this thing about people thinking stealing is better if it's against a rich person.)

I have a character who pickpockets indiscriminately because his moral code extends to himself and his 2 cousins only.