A really true secret of character creation

I’ve discovered one of the secrets of creating an irresistible male character. It may be THE secret, but having only just discovered it, I can’t say for sure. However, it’s definitely A secret. If you do this one thing, you’re sure to have a complex, slightly dark, slightly troubled, brash but surprisingly sensitive, and quite probably beautiful character on your hands.

I know you’re dying to know what single act you can take that will lead to such a character. Well, I’m going to tell you. It’s quite simple actually. Easier than slogging through the Myers-Briggs personality type test, easier than painstakingly crafting a compelling backstory, easier, even, than stealing a character from real life.

All you have to do is name them Logan.

Yes, really. Watch as I prove my point.

Aside from having an emotional spectrum that ranges from cavalier to cocky and personalities with the intensity of the summerwe’re enjoying, these Logans all have three things in common: daddy issues, girl issues, and a casual disregard for their ownmortality. It’s a killer combo.

The case of Logan Echolls (of Veronica Mars) 
“And what is so great about living?"

• Daddy issues? His dad killed his girlfriend.
• Girl issues? He falls for his dead girlfriend’s best friend (who also used to be his best friend’s girlfriend).
• Casual disregard for mortality? Between his home life and the PCH Biker gang, it’s a miracle he survives.

The case of Logan Huntzberger (of Gilmore Girls)
“People can live a hundred years without really living for a minute.”

• Daddy issues? He’s destined to follow in his father’s overbearing footsteps.
• Girl issues? His family dismissing his girlfriend as “not good enough for the family.”
• Casual disregard for mortality? Um, Life & Death Brigade, anyone?

The case of Logan aka Wolverine (of X-Men)
“What I do best isn’t very nice.”

• Daddy issues? Erm. Well, SOMEone’s responsible for his memory loss…
• Girl issues? Ha! Haha! Does this require explanation? Because I don’t know that I have the time.
• CasualExtreme disregard for mortality? Only on his best days…

Alright, there you have it. One ofthe essential truths of character creation gifted from me to you. If you’re struggling to create a cocky, enigmatic, and surprisingly deep character, go ahead and name him Logan. Once a character has thusly been named, everything else will naturally, effortlessly fall into place.