The Wrong Way To Use Healing Magic Characters

Hannah Arendt

2 min read

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30-11-2024

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In fantasy fiction, healing magic is a powerful tool, capable of captivating readers and driving compelling narratives. However, its overuse or misuse can significantly weaken a story, creating plot holes and undermining character development. This post explores common pitfalls authors fall into when employing healing magic characters and suggests ways to avoid them.

The God-Mode Healer

One of the most prevalent mistakes is creating a "god-mode" healer – a character whose magical abilities are so potent that they negate any sense of danger or consequence. This type of character renders stakes meaningless. If a seemingly insurmountable injury or deadly threat can be instantly cured with a wave of a wand or a whispered incantation, the tension dissipates, leaving the reader feeling unengaged. The narrative loses its dramatic weight, and the impact of crucial events is significantly lessened.

Instead of: A character effortlessly healing every wound, regardless of severity.

Try: Imposing limitations on the healing magic. Perhaps the magic has a cost – physical exhaustion, magical backlash, or a depletion of limited resources. Alternatively, introduce limitations on the type of injuries healed, or create a time delay before healing is complete. This allows for consequences and creates opportunities for dramatic tension.

The Plot Armor Problem

Healing magic can unintentionally become a form of "plot armor," shielding a character from the natural consequences of their actions. If a character repeatedly faces life-threatening situations only to be miraculously healed each time, it removes accountability and diminishes the character's vulnerability. This makes them appear less relatable and less compelling to the reader.

Instead of: A character consistently surviving seemingly impossible odds through convenient healing.

Try: Allowing characters to face consequences for their actions, even if they are later healed. The process of healing itself could be arduous and painful, highlighting the impact of the injury. Perhaps the character suffers long-term effects despite the healing, adding layers to their character arc.

The Unrealistic Convenience

The overuse of healing magic can make a story feel contrived and unrealistic. Healing should be interwoven seamlessly into the narrative, not used as a deus ex machina to resolve every conflict. It should feel earned, not simply a convenient plot device.

Instead of: Resorting to healing magic as a quick and easy solution to every problem.

Try: Exploring other methods of conflict resolution. Let characters grapple with the consequences of their actions, forcing them to rely on their wit, skills, and alliances. Strategic retreats, alliances, clever planning—these alternatives add depth and complexity to the story, avoiding the reliance on a simple magical fix.

Balancing Power and Realism

The key to effectively utilizing healing magic lies in achieving a balance between its power and the narrative's realism. By carefully considering the limitations, consequences, and narrative purpose of healing abilities, authors can create compelling characters and stories that are both captivating and believable. Avoiding the pitfalls outlined above ensures that healing magic enhances, rather than detracts from, the overall narrative.