We are surrounded by conflict in our day to day lives. There are always minor and sometimes major problems that we deal with constantly. Whether it's a job or running your household, conflict is part of the human condition. The way we react and resolve it (or not)is the very foundation of who we are.
It should be the same way in your story. You need to give your characters conflict to resolve so we learn who they are. This is the best way to 'show' the reader that your characters are worthy of their time and love. It is not an easy thing to do. We love our characters and want them to be perfect but is that reality? Sometimes we do not make the best choices but we learn from our mistakes and we are still loved, maybe more so because our flaws are what make us human.
So stir up that conflict and let your darlings make a bad choice or two. We'll still respect them in the morning.
Excellent and most truthful post. Conflict is the key to a good character, and not so much the how, or where, or when, but the why... People love the why, and we (as readers) will not feel satisfied until we understand reasons and motivations.
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