The first version of a character is usually a sketch, not the person they become by the end. Going back can feel strange, but it’s actually a good sign. It means your understanding deepened as you wrote. Second drafts are where the character finally starts acting like who they really are.

I hear this a lot from writers I work with. It’s surprisingly common to want feedback and hide at the same time. Totally human. One middle ground I’ve seen work well is using a low-stakes beta. Someone professional, discreet, and focused on craft, not judgment. This takes the pressure off.