Have you ever wondered what a character's morning routine says about them? Writers spend hours for backstories, quirks, and emotional arcs, but sometimes, when getting to know a character, the first hour of their morning routine in a day says it all.

How about we explore some of the everyday morning rituals and understand what they reveal about your protagonist's hidden flaws?

1. The Perfectionist's Morning Ritual: Can you craft a protagonist who wakes up at 5 AM sharp, makes their bed with military precision, and goes through an elaborate skincare routine before sitting down to a carefully balanced breakfast? While this might seem like a sign of discipline, the real twist is that you could capture it as someone who has underlying anxiety, a fear of failure, or an obsession with control. Take Amy Dunne from Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Her carefully curated image, down to the way she presents herself, shows her deeper manipulative tendencies.

2. The Snoozer's Struggle: A protagonist who keeps snoozing their alarm, rushes to get ready and leaves the place in disarray could be grappling with procrastination, lack of direction, or even depression. Consider Gregor Samsa from The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. Though his routine changes drastically after his transformation, his initial morning—waking up late and panicking about work—hints at his passive, overworked nature and inability to stand up for himself.

3. The Chaos Magnet: Some characters begin their day in a flurry—spilling coffee, missing essential items, and losing track of time. They might seem cute at first glance, but then again, what if all those chaotic mornings are so much more than that? Perhaps they are overburdened, disorganized, or too distracted by external pressures to focus on themselves. Bridget Jones from Bridget Jones's Diary usually begins her day in a very unsettled manner because her character struggles with self-improvement and self-sabotage. Her chaotic routine reflects her inner struggles and difficulty finding balance. If you can craft a protagonist who always rushes and is late, showing up unprepared, create them as they might have a fear of commitment, a problem with time management, or a more profound sense of self-doubt. 

4. The Overthinker's Ritual: Sometimes, when you wake up but spend too long staring at the ceiling, lost in thought, Right? How about creating a character just like that? Like someone who checks their phone repeatedly, replays old conversations that happened in the past, or runs hypothetical scenarios for everything that could unfold during the day. Take Hamlet from Shakespeare's Hamlet. His flaw is not having the ability to act, which is the reason why he suffers so much. If your character is spending their mornings stuck in their head, it may be indicative of avoidance or self-doubt. This trait can be particularly effective in showing inner conflicts without explicitly stating them.

5. The Overachiever's Routine: Have you ever known someone who is like a marathoner who does not just wake up but attacks the day like it is a military operation? They are considered as perfect. Initially, it seems admirable and a perfect routine to achieve your goal. Still, it could also portray it as a fear of stillness, an inability to slow down, or an obsession with productivity as a measure of self-worth. Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby meticulously builds his life around an idealized version of himself. A protagonist whose mornings are crammed with endless activities may fear confronting their emotions, feeling useless if they don't do anything, or else losing control over their circumstances.

Ask yourself: How can I include the protagonist's morning routine and make an impact on the story? The answer might give you more than you think.