Who's In Charge of Writing This Story?

Sometimes it feels like the story writes itself, and we're just there to watch the characters' performance, transcribing their actions and dialogue while offering lavish gifts to our muse for favoring us in this fashion.

And then there are the times when the characters stop performing. They refuse to participate, except to watch us while we weep and wail and gnash our teeth, cursing the gods of creativity for abandoning us so cruelly.

Just who is in charge of writing the story?

A post from The Script Lab titled "The Character Writes For You Cliché" says:

If you know your characters – and I mean truly know them, down to their core details (backstory, paradoxes, psychology, etc.) – it isn’t so much that the character writes for you. Instead, the character STOPS you from going down the wrong roads because your character simply won’t let you be false.

Sometimes when we think we're blocked, we are, because our characters balk. They refuse to go along with our idea, because they know it's not something they would do. Or maybe they do go along, but it's awkward and unnatural. They're going through the motions just to humor us, or to prove just how wrong we are.

No matter which choice our characters make in the course of a story, it has to be in keeping with what we know about them, the behaviors they've exhibited, and the traits and quirks they've revealed. Each decision is a manifestation of their personality, and it affects the direction the story will take.

For example, let's say you have a character that hates Brussels sprouts. (Yes, I know that's a picture of cabbage, but do you know how hard it is to find one of Brussels sprouts? Talk about camera shy.)

But back to our character: we know she's not going to volunteer to chow them down when a big bowl is placed in front of her. We'd be shocked if she said, "Please, sir, may I have some more" the minute somebody insists they're good for her. I seriously doubt she's going to ask to be a judge at a Brussels sprouts celebrity cook-off. 

The minute you tried to force your character into any of those situations, they'd go on strike, or try to get out of their contract, citing "creative differences".

However, your character is three-dimensional, filled with interests and desires that may conflict with each other. They obviously detest Brussels sprouts. . . but what if a loved one can only be saved if the character wolfs down ten bowls of nasty mini-me cabbage heads?

Knowing how the character is likely to react doesn't mean there can't be surprises. Maybe the character will endure this situation by pretending they're eating a bowl of their favorite ice cream. Or maybe they'll karate chop the bad guy that forced them to eat that mountain of green nastiness, and then spray their cabbage-y bad breath over the bad guy's prone form.

The writer and the character play equally important roles in this creative endeavor, collaborating until the story seems to write itself.

Comments

[Britt]

This post is so very true. I've come across this many times as a writer. Actually, a few times I've argued with my characters - pleading - for them to go in a certain direction when they stubbornly seem to only dig their feet in further, stiffling any of my ideas for their future. Often times, it feels bleak. Like everything I had planned had just been thrown out the window. An entire chapter tossed because maybe one or two made-up people disagreed with me. But you know what? That's when the real story begins, the one that even the author didn't see coming.
And maybe that's when you know you're a true writer, because you don't tell your story - but your character(s) story.

[Donna Cummings]

Britt, I've been there too, pleading with the characters like a frustrated mom, so sure I know what they should be doing with their lives! LOL But you're so right about that's when the real story begins--I actually love when that happens, because I love the surprises and learning a new aspect of this character I thought I knew all about.

I love your last line too. :) That really may be the mark of a true writer.

[cara]

go tell it on the mountain, sister! in real life, the moment you try to alter someone’s behavior to conform to your expectations you end up with two seriously unhappy people. so why do we think it’s okay to do this in our “other” real life? I think it may have to do with some teeny-tiny control issues. we are the ultimate character in any story we write, the voice from on-high that gets to decide the fate of those involved, and there’s a temptation to strut your literary stuff around like a deity. but if you try calling all the shots at play, at work, and/or in bed, you’ll quickly find yourself playing/working/playing alone. so it’s important to remember to loosen up. relax. let things come as they may. it’s all about striking that happy balance. make sure you keep a good grip, but be careful not to squeeze too tight – you might end up writing for yourself.
thanks for the reminder that we shouldn’t be going it alone; because one is the loneliest number, in life and on the page. ;)

[Donna Cummings]

Cara, what a great point -- not that I know of anyone who has tried to change somebody's behavior in real life. *cough*

Yes, being the all-powerful deity of our story world is hard to resist, but you make a powerful argument for why it needs to be a partnership. And I like your points about writing too. :)

[Kari Marie]

What a great post and so true. I've discovered that when I'm having the most difficulty with a scene it's because I didn't realize how out of sync it was with a particular character!

[Donna Cummings]

Kari Marie, thanks so much. I've been learning that about being out of sync with a character. I need to listen to them more. LOL They kinda know what they're doing!

[Quantum]

As someone who hates cabbage, especially when soggy and over cooked, I can sympathise with this!

Not sure I agree with all the 'allowing the character to be in control' stuff. Seems to me that a lover needs to start slowly. To tease, entice, woo, and build slowly to a climax. Letting the hero loose may finish the book in a few pages! With multiple characters all having their own way you are likely to write a book about anarchy or chaos.

No Donna. Don't listen to these siren voices. You as author are in control. Treat your errant characters as naughty children. Provide incentives and prizes if it helps, but INSIST that they do it your way!

I want to read YOUR book, not some random cacophony of conflicting interests. Beauty lies with symmetry. Nature is the perfect organiser and master. Just look at the petals on any flower. Consider your book as a growing plant or flower and take inspiration from mother nature.

AND no cabbage or sprouts please!

Fascinating blog. *smile*

[Donna Cummings]

Q, I don't mind cabbage on occasion, but there's something about all that cabbage-y taste being compressed into the little miniature versions that does me in. LOL

I like your "lover" comparison, and I only WISH it applied to my characters. LOL They are very strong-minded (big surprise!), so there can be some very interesting discussions amongst us at times. I like to think I'm in control -- a sort of parent or manager that corrals them all towards the exit, even if they want to stop and look at other things along the way. LOL

I hope when you read my stories the characters will convince you that I was in charge of their destiny. :) Or at least you'll know it was my goal!

[Liz Fichera]

There's something to be said for having a "sit-down" with your character before you get to writing your story; however, sometimes the characters can reveal more of themselves to you as you write the story. It's a conundrum.

[Donna Cummings]

Liz, ain't that the truth? LOL I learn more about my characters as I write the story, but then I like to have a sitdown with them when I can't figure out why they got quiet. They keep us hopping, don't they? :)