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The original was posted on /r/characterrant by /u/Talukita on 2023-10-05 14:16:19.

I feel like there’s like this obsession in having explanation and deep backstory for what they do / are or otherwise they are considered as bad writing or so. Not to mention the need to be about certain theme etc etc.

Like sure, it’s more satisfying or compelling to have some of their issues being traced back to certain moments, and I don’t mind that. But when almost everything is overanalyzed and needs to be connected to something, it’s another story. A character being a bit aloof and not good at interacting with others? Oh nah he must be autistic and thus having bad at social cues. Or or he must have went through some deep traumatic moments and end up that way! (I guess normal introverts don’t exist).

Imo if the characters have some extreme ideals or personalities then yeah it’s understandable (say being extremely racist toward certain groups) to have reasons for that, but for minor quirks and traits then it’s alright for characters to be that way just because.

Like if there’s someone who inspires to be a hero and wants to do good just for the sake of being good then that’s is sufficient. I have also known plenty people who grew up in normal healthy family but ended up as asshole irl. But who knows, maybe that’s just me. Your thoughts?

Edit: This is mostly from writer side/perspective, fandom wise I think it’s fine for people to interpret characters in any forms as they please as long as they don’t take it as canon and force it on others.