Physical markings on literary characters often represent metaphorical qualities and set those characters apart. A author does not include physical imperfections arbitrarily, as they could otherwise write "perfect" characters. Markings can indicate life's damage inflicted on a character and give them a unique outlook that makes them interesting. Physical wounds can reference cultural or historical events that carry emotional meaning for readers. Monster characters take markings to an extreme, using hideous forms to associate characters with evil rather than greatness.