L.G. Smith over at Bards and Prophets blog wrote:
"A plot shouldn't just be a bunch of connected incidents and actions but a vehicle for the character's growth as a person."
Ah ... really? YES!!
David Baboulene over at Baboulene.com wrote (in THE STORY BOOK, p.120):
"Note that it is not the event which reveals a protagonist's character, but his reaction to the event. The action he takes defines his character. Similarly, it is not the event which drives the plot (as you might expect), but the action taken by the character that defines the event, and drives the plot."
Select a scene or chapter or event in your WIP and ask these questions:
1. What action does your character take to initiate this event?
2. How does your character react to the aftermath of this event?
3. How does your character change because of this event?
Do you agree with L.G. Smith that a plot is a vehicle for a character's growth?
I agree very much. Character is plot, as someone once said.
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah, she makes a lot of sense. :PP
ReplyDeleteNow if I could only figure out how to do it on the page. "_
Very interesting post. I think I agree with what they're saying--plot and character have a symbiotic relationship. The character drives the plot, and then the plot provides the character more opportunities to grow and develop. That's my ideal anyway.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree. In fact, a character's growth is what I love about a story - assuming it's done well :)
ReplyDelete