Some people enjoy a good wrangle, though, and they willingly go into battle for a host of different reasons. It's possible they like the adrenaline surge that results. Or maybe they enjoy the frenetic exchange of words with a worthy foe.
But for the person who doesn't like to fight or argue, when they do clash with someone, it demonstrates what they value, or even what they fear. Since they will fight only when pushed to that point, or when their usual dispute resolution methods are no longer keeping the peace, it's clear this is something very important.
So when characters do fight, and we know why, the next thing we learn is how.
Do they flare up? Do they smolder, biting their lip to keep hurtful words at bay? Do they shout, speak quietly, mumble under their breath? Perhaps sarcasm is their weapon of choice, or getting in the last word in every argument. Or maybe they refuse to engage at all.
Also, as the character's romantic relationship progresses, there is more at stake if they fight and lose, or if they fight and rupture the growing trust between them and their beloved. Does this change how they argue? Or when?
All of these things give us a great deal of insight into the characters. It reflects their history, as well as areas of potential growth, and even possible conflict in the future. It provides an important piece of the personality puzzle, knowing how characters will react in certain situations, especially highly-charged emotional ones.
I was re-reading one of my manuscripts recently, and I realized my characters didn't yell and carry on like a lot of folks do when they disagree. The hero and heroine are hurt by the untenable situation they're in, and one of them even feels betrayed by the other's actions, but it would not be true to their personalities if they raged or did something dramatic. They use their words to express their feelings, and try to advance their position, but without deliberately wounding each other.
Characters with other fighting styles might disagree with this method, but this is how my hero and heroine responded to the threats to their happiness and well-being. Some disagreements were more easily resolved, while another heated discussion led to the black moment in the story.
I learned a great deal about my characters by watching how they disagreed with each other. I plan to throw new characters into the ring to see how they square off against each other. They may not like this strategy, but I'll just have to convince them how beneficial it is, for them, and for me.
How could they possibly argue with that?
~~~~~~~~~~
This is a repeat of a post from last fall. I've just finished up edits for TWO different books, and I'm worn out! I should be done with edits for a little while, so I hope to have a brand new post for you next week.
It might be a post from last fall but it was new to me and I found it insightful. I enjoy conflict between characters and exploring how they handle it and react to others. As writers, we sometimes have to wrangle with them to get the right reaction from the right character as we've created them. Fun and frustrating!
And hey, you're due some slack after finishing up edits on two books. Congrats on the accomplishment!
Posted by: Mae Clair | October 17, 2012 at 08:16 AM
I rather enjoy a good debate. Defending a logically untenable position can push boundaries and unearth creative instincts that you had no inkling existed.
Demonstrating to a loved one that the universe is a hologram was my latest tiff. David Bohm came close to proof with his books on Quantum theory, but the mainstream were always against him.
Paranormal psychology (eg remote viewing) seems to provide some support but the clincher was the power of love. In a holographic world all knowledge is accessible so I knew that she loved me way before we had met. I'm sure that she was persuaded.
Funny how my breakfast toast was burned the following morning ..... must be coincidence! LOL
Posted by: Quantum | October 17, 2012 at 09:42 AM
Congrats on the edits being finished! Yay! How did you celebrate? :)
I'm usually reluctant to have my main characters argue with each other, but it's as if they sense I'm holding back and they will eventually demand their say! Then I feel like I can back track to add layers of what's bothering them when I didn't really know myself in the early rounds. You're right, I do learn a lot about my characters from how they do or don't fight.
Posted by: Melissa | October 17, 2012 at 04:08 PM
Thanks, Mae -- right now my eyes are bleary from all the editing, so it doesn't feel like an accomplishment just yet. LOL Tomorrow when I get to finish reading WEATHERING ROCK, I'll definitely realize what I've managed to get done. :)
It can be fun to see how characters work out their conflicts -- especially if they have different arguing styles. LOL Just another reason I like to hang out with my characters!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | October 18, 2012 at 09:04 AM
Q, I'm not exactly sure what you said -- well, except for the burnt toast part. :) I do like the part about her loving you before you met. That is very romantic -- and makes for a wonderful story! And I hadn't thought about how a good debate can unearth the creative instincts. That's probably true. Mmm. Now you've got me thinking!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | October 18, 2012 at 09:06 AM
Melissa, thanks for the congrats. I haven't had a chance to celebrate yet. LOL Clearly I'm out of practice for celebrating! Plus I feel too tired for it. Hopefully tomorrow I can do something (mild, not wild -- LOL)
That's true about the characters demanding their say, especially when they know we're holding back. Sometimes they don't want to give up their secrets about why they're fighting or upset. It takes a little bit of analysis, and interrogation, to find it out. But it's always worth it. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | October 18, 2012 at 09:09 AM
glad I saw this - good reminder for my WIP
Posted by: Sue | October 21, 2012 at 12:55 PM