Here we go. This is it. The most important part of your character. Personality is what makes someone love or hate a character, it's what determines how they act, the choices they make. It's vital to any character, without personality, your story is bland, lifeless, void of meaning.

The key is balance. I have seen it been skewed both ways before, with cats either having no flaws or all flaws, though the latter is most common in side characters or villains. Here, I will not only be focused on your protagonist, but your side characters and villains too.

Let's start with the protagonist, as the cat you are following is the one most needed to be relatable. Of course your cat is going to be special in some way, part of a prophecy, chosen for a quest, at the centre of conflict, etc. If they weren't part of the main conflict, then that wouldn't make for much of a story, would it?

But just because your cat is special, doesn't mean they can be perfect. Basically, make sure you have some flaws. Other cats hating the protagonist is not a flaw, as I've seen people do this without giving their character a real flaw. A flaw is something that is part of a cat, something they do on their own that may be brought out by other cats, but not created by how they feel about them.

Maybe your cat is insensitive and harsh, which could provide a reason for cats not liking them. Or they could be clueless and irresponsible, always causing trouble. They could lack intelligence, be naïve, selfish, lazy, disloyal, all of these are flaws.

Another type of flaw is a positive trait going too far. For instance, a cat could be so loyal to the Clan they they would never question their leader, even if the leader is absolutely horrible. They could be so invested in the Warrior Code that they become an annoying tattletale, or they could be so selfless and trusting that they help cats outside the Clan and use up prey or herbs on them that could have been helping their Clanmates.

Flaws are very important, but also don't overdo it. If your cat is supposed to be good, give them only one or two flaws, as long as they cause a struggle for a cat one way or another, it works. No need to give them seven flaws if they're not a villain- even villains may not have that much, their flaws are just more extreme.

Positive traits are just as important to a character. They can't be too flawed, or there's nothing to like about them. You need a balance. Empathetic, intelligent, caring, strong willed, brave, friendly, these are great traits to give your cats, have it be your protagonist or a side character. Honestly, side characters follow the same rules.

But villians, this is where people often fall weak. Manipulative, aggressive, lack of empathy and power hungry; these are the traits of seemingly every villain ever, but it just isn't realistic. Everyone has their reasons for doing bad things, have it be ignorance, to push themselves up and gain power, or for a greater purpose to serve their world view.

Basically, what I'm saying is where are all the sympathetic villains? Of course, make them horrible cats if that's what your story demands, they can be bloodthirsty and cruel, but give them a reason. Villains are allowed to have some positive traits too.

Alright, I think that's all I have to say, and so I will now open up reviews for OCs. The form will be in the next chapter.