Imperfections are what make characters real, relatable, and ultimately, likable. When we see a character struggle, make mistakes, or fail, it reminds us of our own vulnerabilities. These flaws give them a sense of authenticity that perfection can’t. It’s like meeting someone for the first time, and instead of hearing about their achievements, you hear about their fears, their failures, and the battles they’ve fought. And suddenly, you understand them on a level that goes deeper than just admiration. You feel connected.

Take Loki from the MCU, for example. He’s clever, mischievous, and undeniably charismatic, but he’s also deeply insecure and full of envy. His need for validation and love is so human, so raw, that it’s impossible not to root for him. Even when he’s causing chaos, part of you sees the vulnerable child underneath. His imperfections make him relatable. We’ve all wanted to be seen, wanted to be enough for someone. Loki’s flaws are a window into his internal struggles, and that's what pulls us in, making his moments of growth more meaningful.

In Percy Jackson, a character like Annabeth Chase exemplifies how flaws create depth. Annabeth is brilliant, brave, and dedicated, but she can also be stubborn, overly focused on perfection, and afraid of losing control. She tries so hard to live up to her expectations that she sometimes forgets the importance of asking for help. And yet, these imperfections make her someone you want to support and cheer on. She’s not some unattainable ideal; she’s someone who fights through her insecurities, who learns to trust herself and those around her. In every decision, even the mistakes, we see pieces of ourselves reflected in her, and that’s what makes her so easy to love.

Then there's Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon. He’s awkward, unsure, and not the typical hero. When you first meet him, he’s not the strongest or the bravest—he’s the one everyone doubts. His journey is built on these imperfections, from his struggle to be accepted by his father to his initial failures in training Toothless. But as he grows, we see that it’s his vulnerability, his compassion, and his willingness to try—even when he messes up—that sets him apart. Hiccup’s imperfections make him someone we can believe in, because we see how hard he works to overcome them. He’s not perfect, but he’s so much more than that—he’s human.

What we like about these characters isn’t their perfection, but how their imperfections make them more human. They make mistakes, feel pain, struggle with their own self-worth—and yet, they keep going. In them, we see a reflection of our own lives, our own fears, and the hope that maybe, just maybe, our imperfections can make us stronger, too. These characters aren’t just heroes because they’re good at what they do—they’re heroes because, like us, they’re learning, growing, and battling through their flaws. And that’s what makes them truly, deeply lovable.