Character and Competence ~ Keys to Your Writing Success in 2024: The Dual Forces of Character and Competence

Character and competence are essential for great writing.

Competence is essential for crafting engaging narratives, as it allows writers to skillfully execute plot twists, develop intricate storylines, and create compelling scenes.

However, it is character that actually breathes the life into these narratives, infusing them with authenticity, depth, and emotional resonance.

“Competence is how good you are when there is something to gain. Character is how good you are when there is nothing to gain. People will reward you for competence. But people will only love you for your character.” — Mark Manson 😶‍🌫️

Mark Manson author of “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck.”

This quote by Mark Manson highlights the distinction between competence and character. Competence refers to one’s skill and ability when there’s something to gain, while character pertains to one’s moral qualities and behavior when there’s nothing to gain. Manson suggests that while people may reward you for competence, they’ll truly love you for your character, emphasizing the importance of integrity and virtue over mere skills or abilities.

As writers we can gain motivation from Manson’s quote in the sense that it encourages people to prioritize developing strong character traits such as integrity, kindness, and honesty, which are essential for fostering meaningful relationships and earning genuine love and respect from others.

So, in relation to writing, it can serve as a reminder to us writers to focus not only on honing our technical skills but also on cultivating authenticity and depth in our characters and storytelling. Characters with well-developed personalities and moral compasses are often more compelling and relatable to readers, leading to deeper engagement with the narrative.

I love how Manson’s quote captures a timeless wisdom about the importance of character and integrity in both personal and professional aspects of life. For me, it’s this quality that has me sad to finish a novel as though I have lost a good friend. It’s the glue that bonds this reader to a really well written novel with unforgettable characters.

If we expand on the quote to help us as writers we realise that it is character that truly captivates our readers, as they become invested in the journey, growth, and moral dilemmas of the protagonists and supporting cast. In writing, competence manifests through mastery of storytelling techniques, such as pacing, dialogue, and world-building. It enables writers to construct coherent plots, maintain reader engagement, and deliver satisfying resolutions.

Therefore, while honing our writing skills is a crucial craf for polishing our manuscripts, it is the development of rich, multidimensional characters with believable motivations, flaws, and virtues that elevates our storytelling from good to unforgettable. Just as people are drawn to those with genuine integrity and authenticity, readers are drawn to characters who resonate with their humanity, inspiring empathy, connection, and lasting impact.