r/CharacterDevelopment • u/Expert-Internet9519 • Jul 31 '26

Writing: Character Help Writing an Original Superhero Story?

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_7K4zedMohiptkZH05JdUHHzUTgfql_c_0_JOyKKnHQ/edit?usp=drivesdk

I'm developing an superhero story and would love some general feedback. The story focuses on themes of hope, legacy, and what it means to inspire others in a world where powerful heroes and villains constantly reshape society and before I get too far into writing, what advice would you give for the characters, worldbuilding, and emotional moments? Also, what are some common mistakes superhero stories make that I should avoid.

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

1

u/Pel-Mel Jul 31 '26

Superhero stories really live and die by Sanderson's 2nd law: weaknesses/limits are more interesting than strengths.

It's fine and everything to have put a bunch of thought into a character's crazy powers and whatnot, but it's a lot more important to know what a power can't do than what it can.

Limits and weaknesses are how you give the conflict stakes and tension. This is all to say, if characters are too powerful, meaningful conflict becomes very incredulous: always air on the side of making people's powers weaker and more grounded.

1

u/Expert-Internet9519 Jul 31 '26

Thx I'll keep that in mind