Morally Grey Characters - Tumblr Posts
Hate or love Lilith Sorrengail, you cannot deny that she is really similar to Xaden.
Both of them can do anything to protect their loved ones (especially Violet), and they do protect them in their own fucked up ways. For the two of them, there is no difference in keeping someone alive and keeping someone safe.
Both of them have done questionable shit, have hurt who they loved in the process, but do not regret it, because they kept the person alive after everything.
Hate or love Lilith Sorrengail, you cannot deny that she is really similar to Xaden.
Both of them can do anything to protect their loved ones (especially Violet), and they do protect them in their own fucked up ways. For the two of them, there is no difference in keeping someone alive and keeping someone safe.
Both of them have done questionable shit, have hurt who they loved in the process, but do not regret it, because they kept the person alive after everything.
Dark fantasy romance (18+) book recommendation for the ZuTara fans out there
my least favourite thing about some people analysing media is their 'are they a good person?' moment—
you can enjoy a character while realising some of the things they do is a little messed up. sometimes that's the intrigue of it all. how you see them do this completely deranged thing all for this desperate, hopeful reason— a calculated, sinster reason.
it's all valid ! and it's all interesting ! it's all worth admiring and enjoying.
Why can’t I be normal and like the “good” characters? 😩🥴🙃
That murderous and spiteful fictional villain would treat me right
illustration work for a fun little AU i made with my friend! (pictured as the wolf, i'm the bat)
it's a story about a duo of friends in an apocalyptic world who survive by embushing fellow survivors and taking their stuff (mauling usually included)
the whole thing is grimey, has very grey moral standards and deals with how people resort to extremes in order to survive, and having nobody to rely on except your codepent relationship with your best friend
writing morally gray characters
When you're fleshing out a morally gray character, get into their head. Explore what makes them tick—their backstory, beliefs, and what gets them out of bed in the morning. These characters aren't black and white; they're a swirling mix of shades of gray. Show the tug-of-war they feel inside when faced with tough decisions. It's like watching someone juggle their principles and desires right in front of you—it's what makes them feel real.
Throw your character into situations where the right path isn't crystal clear. Life's full of those messy, uncertain moments, and your character should reflect that. It keeps readers guessing and rooting for them to figure it out.
your character grow over time. Maybe their moral compass shifts as they learn from their mistakes or adapt to changing circumstances. People change, and so should your characters—it keeps the story fresh and unpredictable.
Give your character a unique flavor. Avoid the tired old stereotypes personas. Mix it up with quirks, a distinct background, or motivations that aren't what you'd expect.
Even if your character's choices aren't always squeaky clean, make sure readers can see their humanity. Share their doubts, vulnerabilities, and reasons behind their actions. It's about making them relatable, even when they're making questionable calls.
Every action has a reaction, right? Show how your character's decisions ripple out and affect not just them, but everyone around them.
Remember, morally gray doesn't mean they're totally without a conscience. Your character might have their own code or justify their actions based on their unique perspective. It's all about that gray area where things get interesting.
Decide where your character's moral rollercoaster is headed. Will they evolve into a better version of themselves, slide back into old habits, or stay forever stuck in that gray zone?
Eris is my favourite character. I have so many reasons for this, but the main one is how complex his character is. Personally I think he really is a good person and does what he thinks is right but he is still morally gray. Like really morally gray, for example Rhys is supposed to be morally gray but sjm tries to justify everything he does. Morally gray characters do bad things. If you're trying to write one let them be bad, arrogant, selfish at times. The world isn't black and white, it's shades of gray. Eris shows that and his actions are probably the most realistic, because we all know he's done bad things but he owes up to them just like real people do (or should). Sjm claims Rhysand has never done anything bad and more bs like that.
(also azris and the vanserra in his name make eris VERY appealing)
"yes i know having villains and/or morally grey characters in a story is important – nay, crucial — but I think this character is too *lists the qualities and traits of a villain/morally grey character* and anyone who likes this character should seek help immediately!!!"
the sexiest thing a man can do is be pathetic
kicking a hornets nest.
I've come to a point in my life where I don't simp for morally grey characters anymore, but for morally black characters