How to write a character's downfall
Flawed
Start with a believable flaw.
Despite his charm, Eli's compulsive lying slowly erodes other's trust.
Trigger Event
Introduce an event related to their flaw that puts a lot of pressure on them.
After losing his job due to a lie, Eli lies even more to regain what he once had.
Moral Compromises
Show them making increasingly questionable decisions.
To make ends meet, Eli begins to steal, justifying his thefts as borrowing.
Isolation
Show how their choices push others away and leave them in isolation.
As his lies unravel, friends distance themselves, leaving Eli intensely lonely.
Loss of Control
Show how they lose control over their life, becoming helpless and desperate.
Caught in his web of lies, Eli watches helplessly as his relationships and career crumble.
Denial
Show how they're in denial of their situation and try to rationalize their decisions.
Eli blames terrible luck and the dishonesty of others, never himself.
Consequences
Let the consequences of their actions catch up to them in an impactful way.
Clarity
Show them having clarity or realization, even if it's fleeting or comes too late.
In rare honesty, Eli acknowledges his life's wreckage and his role in it.
Attempts to Fix
Show them attempting to fix their mistakes, but it not working.
Further Descent
Show them descending even further.
Unable to cope with his reality, Eli retreats further into deceit.
Aftermath
Show the long-term impacts of their actions -- both on themselves and others.
Years later, Eli is used as an example of a good person gone wrong. Eli disappeared and no one knows where he went.
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