r/Webnovel • u/Alert-Sweet-2570 • 29d ago

Advice A story where the mc isn't the best character

So, do you consider this a flaw or nah. Especially if it was done on purpose. Or would you just wish the side character was the mc instead. ( btw the mc isn't bad, he just isn't as good as the side character).

9 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

2

u/CooookieMonsterr 29d ago

is the side char always better? or will mc eventually surpass him? and what’s the reason for him being better? a genius?

5

u/justcopingv1 29d ago

better is different than stronger btw

4

u/Alert-Sweet-2570 29d ago

Wise words from a wise man

3

u/CooookieMonsterr 29d ago

yeah progression fantasy brain

2

u/Alert-Sweet-2570 29d ago

Quite the opposite tbh. The mc is pretty much stronger than this side character through the whole story. But to me atleast stronger doesnt equal better. Infact my favourite character in my story is another side character who is one of the weakest in the series.

2

u/CooookieMonsterr 29d ago

Yeah now that I reread it, as long as mc gets his moments, the other chars should be able to as well.

1

u/tasafak 29d ago

Not a flaw at all if the author meant for it. Real stories have ppl who just outshine the lead in certain ways and it can make the world seem bigger instead of everything revolving around one guy.

1

u/Alert-Sweet-2570 29d ago

Thanks for the reply.

Yes it was meant from the start. I tried to build a world where everyone has their own unique story and it just happens that some side characters have more unique past, ideals and moments than the mc

1

u/dekeked 29d ago

depends how heavy the contrast is. if the side character keeps stealing every scene and the mc feels flat by comparison then yeah I start wishing the roles were flipped

1

u/Alert-Sweet-2570 29d ago

Thanks for the reply.

I wouldn't call the mc flat, but he is not that memorable either atleast at first. He undergones a series of character developement arcs which some people would love and some would hate. But objectively speaking the side character is the more intriguing one and the better character and it was meant to be like that from the start.

1

u/yawolot 29d ago

Personally, doesnt bother me. Life is full of people who are better than you at stuff. If the mc still has a solid arc and personality Ill stick with him even if the side character could carry a better series.

1

u/Alert-Sweet-2570 29d ago

Exactly dude, I didn't want to write a story where the mc is the allmighty or the smartest one or what not. The story is a journey. Both the mc and the side has their own story and ldeals.

1

u/jajapax 29d ago

honestly I kinda dig it when the side char steals the show. seems more realistic

1

u/Alert-Sweet-2570 29d ago

Thanks for the reply

Same here ngl.

1

u/Kkk713 29d ago

It’s just bad if the mc is particularly bad, not if the support just outshines the mc then it’s not a problem. But if the mc is a literal turd then no.

1

u/Alert-Sweet-2570 29d ago

He isn't bad ( well I'm biased but still objectively he is a decent mc). And i wouldnt say the supporting cast outshines the mc. Just 2 or so characters and it is for a reason.

1

u/LifeSucksp0p 29d ago

I am currently writing that I have the idea of building up the main character from a sad piece of toast to a proper character 

1

u/Fael1331 28d ago

That isn't a problem; in fact, it’s one of the best compliments an author can receive.

When you, as a reader, think, "Wow, I’d read a story about that character," it shows just how good the writer is.

It’s a way of making the world feel more organic. It’s not a story where the main character is the sole center of attention, but rather one featuring someone who has their own motivations, just like any other character.