Wrting Craft
Still obsessing about character and something I've heard/read more than once. Plot exists only to reveal character. This is a concept that I struggle with. Perhaps because story is more important to me than even character.
Yes, I want three dimensional complex and fully functional characters. But I want them because they have been chosen and crafted to tell the story. This is a bit of chicken and egg problem. And I ask myself does it matter? The answer I've tentatively arrived at is no. Not in the overall scheme of things, but for the individual writer I think it matters significantly. To understand ones processes, to have a clear notion of strengths and weakness is to be a better writer.
Characters make stories memorable. As a reader it is because of character that I read. Brilliant characterization will keep me reading, but ideally I like the story people to have something to say. Beyond plot, beyond personal growth, I want to learn something about life from a good book.
That means the author (one hopes intentionally) crafted her story to illustrate something she wanted to say.
Yes, I want three dimensional complex and fully functional characters. But I want them because they have been chosen and crafted to tell the story. This is a bit of chicken and egg problem. And I ask myself does it matter? The answer I've tentatively arrived at is no. Not in the overall scheme of things, but for the individual writer I think it matters significantly. To understand ones processes, to have a clear notion of strengths and weakness is to be a better writer.
Characters make stories memorable. As a reader it is because of character that I read. Brilliant characterization will keep me reading, but ideally I like the story people to have something to say. Beyond plot, beyond personal growth, I want to learn something about life from a good book.
That means the author (one hopes intentionally) crafted her story to illustrate something she wanted to say.
posted by Evanne Lorraine at 10:54 AM
2 Comments:
I'm with you. Characters are what keeps me reading, and conversely often what makes me put the book down. And ironically, I find that the hardest thing to keep hold of. Times when I've really tried to write a vivid character, I've been knocked for being over the top. The books I write that sell, the characters feel vanilla to me. I'd like to find that balance where I can write a good sellable character that keeps me inspired as a reader/writer, without going overboard. Proof we never stop learning in this business. I'm feeling like I'm just now starting to learn the basics!
Lori, You are writing category. Just thought I'd mention - there are many talented women who write for Harlequin - but even the best of category doesn't offer real depth of characterization - or maybe this is where I'm going wrong - Ms. Chin did say she wanted more depth from me. :)
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