That sounds a little oxymoronic, doesn't it? All the time we talk about how important proper characterization and detail is when it comes to believable characters. So why would I intentionally write my characters wrong?
Because it's the most believable thing in the world.
Let's face it, how many times per day are we wrong? You think the barista who has screwed up your order ten times before will screw it up again, until she presents you with a perfect coffee. You think for sure you'll be late to work because you left ten minutes late, but then you catch every green light. You think that amazing dish you had at the restaurant the other night will be just as good so you order it again, only to find that it tastes terrible the second time around.
As humans, we're wrong all the time.
So why, then, are all our characters hunches and thoughts absolutely on point? Isn't it more realistic for them to be flawed? They should have those ideas that something is going one way, only to have it be the opposite.
One major case-in-point: Harry Potter and Severus Snape. (WARNING: SPOILERS)
Harry thinks Snape is the one trying to steal the Socerer's Stone. Wrong.
Harry thinks Snape kills Dumbledore because Snape's a deatheater. Wrong.
Harry thinks Snape hates him and his family. Wrong.
It creates more tension when your characters pursue one avenue, only to find out that they've been sniffing down the wrong path the entire time. Also, it makes them flawed, believable people.
So, next time your protagonist has a theory, make them think they're right, only to show that they've been wrong the whole time.
Because the only time something is supposed to work out for them is right at the very very end, when the whole story is being wrapped up.
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