For me, plot and character are interwoven like the DNA strands in a Double Helix. I map out character arcs and plot arcs, but end up looking at them together more than separately because the story has to work as a whole.
Here are a few things I do to develop character and plot throughout the writing process:
1. Sometimes I write my MC's life story up until the book starts. This helps me to develop his voice for the actual novel. Nothing beats voice when it comes to story-telling. Your character can be doing something as boring as changing a light-bulb if he’s got a great voice. Okay, he probably couldn't just change a light bulb for the whole story--unless he had a really cool side-kick.
2. In the first draft I ask questions like this continually: What does my character want? What does my character need? What are his internal conflicts? The answers to these questions help shape the plot.
4. My final thought for today: Have your characters take risks. And to have them take risks, put them in risky situations.
Thanks for stopping by. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I can't remember the exact quote, but I remember an interview with Richard Price, where he said something like: you can have a scene with two characters sitting on a bench, having a conversation, and it can go on as long as you want it to, as long as it's interesting.
ReplyDeleteMaking one of those characters a giraffe would probably help a lot.
Those are all excellent tips, Paul. I particularly enjoyed the way you illustrated your points! :-)
ReplyDeleteWe talked revision last night during an SCBWI schmooze. Wants, needs, and motivation were all part of the conversation.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
I'm finding in my current manuscript I don't know my protagonist as well as I might. Time to re-examine things.
I'm writing my first 1st person book right now and it's such a different feeling. Developing characters is my favorite part of writing and now, writing from the first person point of view, I genuinely feel like I'm writing about myself. It's kind of creepy, especially when I put this character in scary situations, which I think is a good thing. Put yourself (or myself in this case) out there! Excellent post, Paul! :)
ReplyDeleteSo much good stuff in this post! Thanks, Paul!
ReplyDeleteThis balance between characterization and plot is always tough for me. My books tend to be high concept and very plot-driven, so my characters sometimes get dwarfed by the concept and the plot. I revise with characterization in mind, so #3 is important for me. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAll great questions to ask, Paul!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to remind ourselves about #3 above. Sometimes, it is too easy to assume the reader knows what the character is feeling. And I agree, plot and character have to be intertwined. Giraffes are good too.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is great advice! Love you guys!
ReplyDeleteI love that image, Paul. I sometimes feel like my characters are there and I'm just writing down what they're doing. Sometimes it breaks my heart and I wish they wouldn't but they are going to do what they're going to do...if we are true to who they are.
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