First of all, our list for the Critique Partner Blogfest is growing, but there’s always room for more. If you’re looking for someone to read your work, or if you’re looking for something new to read, check it out ^_^

So…I know this guy. We’re real close. Like, I know almost everything there is to know about him. I know more than his girlfriend or his best friend know. I know how he spends after-hours on business trips, why he hates alcohol but doesn’t have a problem getting high every once in a while, and I know where he lives.

Cuz, well, he lives in my head. Some of you have met him, most of you haven’t. When I do guest posts, he rarely likes to make an appearance (guest posts in this case being posts I write from my characters’ POV’s as opposed to me posting on another blog or someone else posting here). He’s been featured in some of my blogfest offerings, but I really only show his good side in those because I’m infatuated with him.

Thing is, this guy is a total ass. I mean, the average person meeting him wouldn’t see it, he hides it well. But anyone perceptive would be put off in a couple of minutes by the smooth-talking bullshit. He cheated on his girlfriend, he prefers practicality over sympathy, and he’s always looking for a way to make another buck.

Except when it comes to his friends. He’d do anything for them. Not blindly. The practicality comes into play. But he’s worked hard to make sure his friends have what they need and want.

I know all of this, because I created him. Something in my psyche built this man, and I see all the intricacies of who he is. I just have to make sure other people see them as well.

That’s where I’m flailing right now. How do I show he’s being practical instead of callous? How do I work in that he thinks he’s doing what’s right for everyone, instead of making it look like he doesn’t care?

I think I’ve got it. Hopefully. How do you pull off complex characters without stopping to explain that they’re not all bad?