So this is a big issue in our beloved fandom. Many many many many many(did I say many?) stories feature characters that are nearly perfect in every way. They're somehow unnaturally good looking, they have multiple powers that rival those of Gandalf and Saruman, and they're ridiculously good fighters with no obvious flaws. So instead of going into depth about how to properly write a character that doesn't fit this description, I shall simply give a short profile of a few of my characters to show how they balance out.

Gerithor Lastborn
Strengths: He has a good heart, and often tends to think of others before himself. He is a strong fighter and a survivor, having lived in the wilderness his entire life. The gift of foresight, a power bestowed upon many of his ancient ancestors, has allowed him to see glimpses of the future. He is a natural leader, and has a charisma that draws others to him.

Weaknesses: he is not incredibly attractive physically, and is usually dirty and unkempt from his travels. He tends to be quiet and shy, which means that he doesn't always speak up when he should. He is young, which means that he lacks the experience required to lead the number of people that he does. He also fears his gift of foresight, for he often sees things that he does not want to see. He sometimes experiences unnatural rage, perhaps an unwanted side effect of his gift. Though he is a good fighter, he is no better than a well trained swordsman and would find himself at a disadvantage against someone like Caledorn or even Rukil.

Note that almost every strength is countered by a weakness of some sort. The powers that he has come at a cost, and they are powers that he could feasibly have due to his heritage.

Caledorn
Strengths: he is a phenomenal fighter, the superior of most other warriors that he comes into contact with. He is careful and calculating, allowing him to make wise choices quickly. He is a master in the art of stealth, and can take nearly any being by surprise should he want to. He is attractive, which draws people to him despite his cold demeanor.

Weaknesses: He is always right in his own mind. Once he has decided upon something he will not waver from that decision. His distant personality makes it difficult for him to make friends, and his dark demeanor makes him a poor diplomat. His hard lifestyle has made him suited to war and war only, and when he is taken away from it he is at a loss. He is aloof, and doesn't trust anyone until they prove their loyalty beyond a doubt.

Note here that his personality is both a strength and a weakness, and makes him suited to certain situations and not others.

Rukil
Strengths: A fighter since birth; a strong leader and a decisive strategist. He cares deeply about those around him, and seeks to help those who need help however he can. He is naturally good with words, and can sway entire armies just by speaking.

Weaknesses: his warrior lifestyle has rendered him ignorant in the ways of peace. He cannot relate to those who do not fight, and often he unconsciously looks down on them. Though a skilled fighter, he has no magical abilities that make him any better than other trained warriors. He is easily discouraged, and requires the support of others to keep him on his path.

Note that with all three examples, they sound like people that could exist in our world. They have struggles and hindrances that prevent them from achieving their goals sometimes. Flaws are central to any character, but especially main characters as it gives them something to conquer. If any of you need detailed advice about a specific character, feel free to ask! I'd love to help you create a well balanced character.

I tag
autumn_sunfire
Illeandir
Cynarr
stringslady
MonsterCupcake61176
SunnyTreasures
GadSul
Silvan_Elleth
Stars_Alight

And anyone else who wants to do this. Your goal is to do this with three of your own characters. Try and spread this tag around, it's a good way to make people more aware of their characters.