Let Your Characters Lie
But Mostly to Themselves
Here’s one of the most delicious ways to add depth, tension, and heartbreak to your story.
Let your character lie.
Not to other people. To themselves.
That’s where the good stuff lives.
The Self-Deception Layer
We all do it.
We tell ourselves stories to feel safe. Or in control. Or right. Or not-alone.
Some of your characters were born to do the same—it’s simply in their DNA.
“I don’t need anyone.” (She’s terrified of abandonment.)
“I’m just being practical.” (He’s scared of taking a risk.)
“I’m over it.” (She’s very much not over it.)
These are the kinds of lies that don’t sound like lies—because your character truly believes them.
And that’s what makes them powerful.
What This Does for Your Story
When a character is lying to themselves, it creates:
✅ Irony—readers can see the truth before the character does
✅ Tension—because the character keeps making choices based on a false premise
✅ Pathos—because we understand why they’re doing it, even when it hurts them
It also gives your character a clear internal arc: from self-deception, to realization, to either embracing or rejecting the truth (positive or negative character arc).
Where to Use This
The magic of self-deception is that it doesn’t need a big monologue or spotlight.
Sometimes, it’s just a throwaway line.
Sometimes, it’s a moment where the character walks away instead of leaning in.
Sometimes, it’s a conversation they don’t have—because facing the truth would break them.
And when they finally do face it, it hits like a gut punch.
Quick Example
Let’s say you’re writing a romance. Your protagonist, Sam, says they don’t believe in love.
Cool. That’s their “truth.”
But you, the writer, know better.
They’re not cynical. They’re scared. They were burned. Abandoned. Maybe even betrayed.
So they hide behind sarcasm and casual flings and “whatever, I’m fine.”
The reader sees it. Their love interest sees it.
And eventually—finally—Sam sees it too.
And that moment of reckoning is the emotional payoff your story’s been building toward.
A Prompt to Try
Ask yourself:
What is my protagonist lying to themselves about—and why?
How does that lie protect them?
And when does it finally stop working?
That’s the moment the story turns.
If this hit a little too close to home (for you or your characters), hit the ❤️ and share it with your writer circle.
The truth always comes out eventually—especially in fiction.
Catch you next week,
Tal Valante Kilim
P.S. Have you tried the Plotrise Novel Planner? Check it out at https://plotrise.com.