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How to make a character work for an idea?
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One of the main rules for developing a good storyline is to make sure that the characters work for their achievements.
Perhaps before they can slay the dragon and rescue the princess the knight has to complete a quest for a scarecrow to get a magic sword, or win a ring of invisibility from a dwarf.
However the protagonist completes their quest it needs to be difficult and there must be obstacles for them to overcome.
Now, let's say that your main character is not in an exciting profession (in my case he works in an office). He doesn't need to find a magic sword to complete his quest, he needs to have a really good idea...
At the moment I tend to try to take my character out of the office and present a dubious metaphor which will jog his thinking but I'm not convinced this works especially well. How can I make a quest for knowledge difficult and interesting?
technique
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Liath
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up vote
1
down vote
favorite
One of the main rules for developing a good storyline is to make sure that the characters work for their achievements.
Perhaps before they can slay the dragon and rescue the princess the knight has to complete a quest for a scarecrow to get a magic sword, or win a ring of invisibility from a dwarf.
However the protagonist completes their quest it needs to be difficult and there must be obstacles for them to overcome.
Now, let's say that your main character is not in an exciting profession (in my case he works in an office). He doesn't need to find a magic sword to complete his quest, he needs to have a really good idea...
At the moment I tend to try to take my character out of the office and present a dubious metaphor which will jog his thinking but I'm not convinced this works especially well. How can I make a quest for knowledge difficult and interesting?
technique
asked 2 hours ago
Liath
1,08311325
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
One of the main rules for developing a good storyline is to make sure that the characters work for their achievements.
Perhaps before they can slay the dragon and rescue the princess the knight has to complete a quest for a scarecrow to get a magic sword, or win a ring of invisibility from a dwarf.
However the protagonist completes their quest it needs to be difficult and there must be obstacles for them to overcome.
Now, let's say that your main character is not in an exciting profession (in my case he works in an office). He doesn't need to find a magic sword to complete his quest, he needs to have a really good idea...
At the moment I tend to try to take my character out of the office and present a dubious metaphor which will jog his thinking but I'm not convinced this works especially well. How can I make a quest for knowledge difficult and interesting?
technique
asked 2 hours ago
Liath
1,08311325
One of the main rules for developing a good storyline is to make sure that the characters work for their achievements.
Perhaps before they can slay the dragon and rescue the princess the knight has to complete a quest for a scarecrow to get a magic sword, or win a ring of invisibility from a dwarf.
However the protagonist completes their quest it needs to be difficult and there must be obstacles for them to overcome.
Now, let's say that your main character is not in an exciting profession (in my case he works in an office). He doesn't need to find a magic sword to complete his quest, he needs to have a really good idea...
At the moment I tend to try to take my character out of the office and present a dubious metaphor which will jog his thinking but I'm not convinced this works especially well. How can I make a quest for knowledge difficult and interesting?
technique
technique
asked 2 hours ago
Liath
1,08311325
asked 2 hours ago
Liath
1,08311325
asked 2 hours ago
Liath
1,08311325
asked 2 hours ago
Liath
1,08311325
asked 2 hours ago
Liath
1,08311325
1,08311325
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
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up vote
1
down vote
You should think about where good ideas come from. In general, finding the solution to any problem is the combination of parts. You've already identified this. In order to beat the bad guy a skilled swordsperson needs a magic sword. The parts are: Skill, Person, and Magic Sword. So, you have a challenge to go out and put those pieces together. When the character has their pieces, if it feels like they've earned them we appreciate the victory.
In general, an idea is no different. You need to have your character assemble the pieces and realize he has the pieces. So, figure out what the idea he's coming up with is and figure out what pieces lead to the realization of that idea. Then you can figure out if he actively or passively figures it out. Think about what makes the best realization moments as well. Is it, just sitting at your desk? Is it being involved in the investigation and happening upon the idea, neatly sitting on a table? Or, is it when a deadline is fast approaching, nearly on top of you and you find and put all the pieces together at the last possible moment?
Once you know what the idea is and its various components there are lots of ways to give the character pieces to the puzzle. The best ways will involve your character changing who they are, and solving some piece of emotional conflict in their life. Then, when they get their great idea, they have also become a different person. But, some pieces can also be handed out because they've formed a bond, solved some other greater problem in the world, or just been persistent enough to find whatever it is they are looking for. Another well used option is to observe other people solving your problem for you. If you happen to be in the right place at the right time, other people, unawares, may do exactly what you need to understand in order to solve the thing you're trying to solve. And they may never be the wiser.
You should also think about what the inspiration will be for combining the pieces. Because this is where we see the "skill" of our protagonist.
And finally, how you use that idea does matter. Having a great idea is just the first part of the problem. Getting others to accept and believe or even implement your own idea can be pretty hard. Whole books are written about people having an idea and being unable to get anyone else to believe in, use, or respect that idea.
An idea is a sword, a sword must be forged. You already know how to solve your problem, it turns out.
edited 1 hour ago
Liath
1,08311325
answered 2 hours ago
Kirk
5,0341626
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
There is a theory that the fantasy aspects of classic myths and fairy tales are actually dramatizing internal psychological conflicts and their resolutions. The hero is fighting a monster, but's its really an elaborate metaphor for fighting off depression, or overcoming selfishness, or what-have-you. The same can work in reverse. The hero may superficially work in an office, but inside his psyche, he's having epic battles.
In the movie The Wizard of Oz Dorothy fights and kills a witch, but the real challenge is overcoming her insecurities, and learning to have faith in herself. Conversely, Remains of the Day takes place entirely in a bland, mundane, heavily bounded setting, but the main character's repressed inner life is filled with (psychological) dangers that are never acted out, but only hinted at. Done properly, even the most strictly realistic story can have many of the same pleasures as great fantasy.
In your story, your main character needs to overcome something in order to reach his resolution --a great idea. That something doesn't need to be a literal dragon. Rather, it should be something internal --his own insecurity, or his ego, or his selfishness, or some other deep seated, hard-to-dislodge character flaw. Only after he changes and grows as a person does the needed idea flow forth.
answered 1 hour ago
Chris Sunami
24.2k33090
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
1
down vote
You should think about where good ideas come from. In general, finding the solution to any problem is the combination of parts. You've already identified this. In order to beat the bad guy a skilled swordsperson needs a magic sword. The parts are: Skill, Person, and Magic Sword. So, you have a challenge to go out and put those pieces together. When the character has their pieces, if it feels like they've earned them we appreciate the victory.
In general, an idea is no different. You need to have your character assemble the pieces and realize he has the pieces. So, figure out what the idea he's coming up with is and figure out what pieces lead to the realization of that idea. Then you can figure out if he actively or passively figures it out. Think about what makes the best realization moments as well. Is it, just sitting at your desk? Is it being involved in the investigation and happening upon the idea, neatly sitting on a table? Or, is it when a deadline is fast approaching, nearly on top of you and you find and put all the pieces together at the last possible moment?
Once you know what the idea is and its various components there are lots of ways to give the character pieces to the puzzle. The best ways will involve your character changing who they are, and solving some piece of emotional conflict in their life. Then, when they get their great idea, they have also become a different person. But, some pieces can also be handed out because they've formed a bond, solved some other greater problem in the world, or just been persistent enough to find whatever it is they are looking for. Another well used option is to observe other people solving your problem for you. If you happen to be in the right place at the right time, other people, unawares, may do exactly what you need to understand in order to solve the thing you're trying to solve. And they may never be the wiser.
You should also think about what the inspiration will be for combining the pieces. Because this is where we see the "skill" of our protagonist.
And finally, how you use that idea does matter. Having a great idea is just the first part of the problem. Getting others to accept and believe or even implement your own idea can be pretty hard. Whole books are written about people having an idea and being unable to get anyone else to believe in, use, or respect that idea.
An idea is a sword, a sword must be forged. You already know how to solve your problem, it turns out.
edited 1 hour ago
Liath
1,08311325
answered 2 hours ago
Kirk
5,0341626
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
You should think about where good ideas come from. In general, finding the solution to any problem is the combination of parts. You've already identified this. In order to beat the bad guy a skilled swordsperson needs a magic sword. The parts are: Skill, Person, and Magic Sword. So, you have a challenge to go out and put those pieces together. When the character has their pieces, if it feels like they've earned them we appreciate the victory.
In general, an idea is no different. You need to have your character assemble the pieces and realize he has the pieces. So, figure out what the idea he's coming up with is and figure out what pieces lead to the realization of that idea. Then you can figure out if he actively or passively figures it out. Think about what makes the best realization moments as well. Is it, just sitting at your desk? Is it being involved in the investigation and happening upon the idea, neatly sitting on a table? Or, is it when a deadline is fast approaching, nearly on top of you and you find and put all the pieces together at the last possible moment?
Once you know what the idea is and its various components there are lots of ways to give the character pieces to the puzzle. The best ways will involve your character changing who they are, and solving some piece of emotional conflict in their life. Then, when they get their great idea, they have also become a different person. But, some pieces can also be handed out because they've formed a bond, solved some other greater problem in the world, or just been persistent enough to find whatever it is they are looking for. Another well used option is to observe other people solving your problem for you. If you happen to be in the right place at the right time, other people, unawares, may do exactly what you need to understand in order to solve the thing you're trying to solve. And they may never be the wiser.
You should also think about what the inspiration will be for combining the pieces. Because this is where we see the "skill" of our protagonist.
And finally, how you use that idea does matter. Having a great idea is just the first part of the problem. Getting others to accept and believe or even implement your own idea can be pretty hard. Whole books are written about people having an idea and being unable to get anyone else to believe in, use, or respect that idea.
An idea is a sword, a sword must be forged. You already know how to solve your problem, it turns out.
edited 1 hour ago
Liath
1,08311325
answered 2 hours ago
Kirk
5,0341626
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
You should think about where good ideas come from. In general, finding the solution to any problem is the combination of parts. You've already identified this. In order to beat the bad guy a skilled swordsperson needs a magic sword. The parts are: Skill, Person, and Magic Sword. So, you have a challenge to go out and put those pieces together. When the character has their pieces, if it feels like they've earned them we appreciate the victory.
In general, an idea is no different. You need to have your character assemble the pieces and realize he has the pieces. So, figure out what the idea he's coming up with is and figure out what pieces lead to the realization of that idea. Then you can figure out if he actively or passively figures it out. Think about what makes the best realization moments as well. Is it, just sitting at your desk? Is it being involved in the investigation and happening upon the idea, neatly sitting on a table? Or, is it when a deadline is fast approaching, nearly on top of you and you find and put all the pieces together at the last possible moment?
Once you know what the idea is and its various components there are lots of ways to give the character pieces to the puzzle. The best ways will involve your character changing who they are, and solving some piece of emotional conflict in their life. Then, when they get their great idea, they have also become a different person. But, some pieces can also be handed out because they've formed a bond, solved some other greater problem in the world, or just been persistent enough to find whatever it is they are looking for. Another well used option is to observe other people solving your problem for you. If you happen to be in the right place at the right time, other people, unawares, may do exactly what you need to understand in order to solve the thing you're trying to solve. And they may never be the wiser.
You should also think about what the inspiration will be for combining the pieces. Because this is where we see the "skill" of our protagonist.
And finally, how you use that idea does matter. Having a great idea is just the first part of the problem. Getting others to accept and believe or even implement your own idea can be pretty hard. Whole books are written about people having an idea and being unable to get anyone else to believe in, use, or respect that idea.
An idea is a sword, a sword must be forged. You already know how to solve your problem, it turns out.
edited 1 hour ago
Liath
1,08311325
answered 2 hours ago
Kirk
5,0341626
You should think about where good ideas come from. In general, finding the solution to any problem is the combination of parts. You've already identified this. In order to beat the bad guy a skilled swordsperson needs a magic sword. The parts are: Skill, Person, and Magic Sword. So, you have a challenge to go out and put those pieces together. When the character has their pieces, if it feels like they've earned them we appreciate the victory.
In general, an idea is no different. You need to have your character assemble the pieces and realize he has the pieces. So, figure out what the idea he's coming up with is and figure out what pieces lead to the realization of that idea. Then you can figure out if he actively or passively figures it out. Think about what makes the best realization moments as well. Is it, just sitting at your desk? Is it being involved in the investigation and happening upon the idea, neatly sitting on a table? Or, is it when a deadline is fast approaching, nearly on top of you and you find and put all the pieces together at the last possible moment?
Once you know what the idea is and its various components there are lots of ways to give the character pieces to the puzzle. The best ways will involve your character changing who they are, and solving some piece of emotional conflict in their life. Then, when they get their great idea, they have also become a different person. But, some pieces can also be handed out because they've formed a bond, solved some other greater problem in the world, or just been persistent enough to find whatever it is they are looking for. Another well used option is to observe other people solving your problem for you. If you happen to be in the right place at the right time, other people, unawares, may do exactly what you need to understand in order to solve the thing you're trying to solve. And they may never be the wiser.
You should also think about what the inspiration will be for combining the pieces. Because this is where we see the "skill" of our protagonist.
And finally, how you use that idea does matter. Having a great idea is just the first part of the problem. Getting others to accept and believe or even implement your own idea can be pretty hard. Whole books are written about people having an idea and being unable to get anyone else to believe in, use, or respect that idea.
An idea is a sword, a sword must be forged. You already know how to solve your problem, it turns out.
edited 1 hour ago
Liath
1,08311325
answered 2 hours ago
Kirk
5,0341626
edited 1 hour ago
Liath
1,08311325
edited 1 hour ago
Liath
1,08311325
edited 1 hour ago
Liath
1,08311325
1,08311325
answered 2 hours ago
Kirk
5,0341626
answered 2 hours ago
Kirk
5,0341626
answered 2 hours ago
Kirk
5,0341626
5,0341626
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
There is a theory that the fantasy aspects of classic myths and fairy tales are actually dramatizing internal psychological conflicts and their resolutions. The hero is fighting a monster, but's its really an elaborate metaphor for fighting off depression, or overcoming selfishness, or what-have-you. The same can work in reverse. The hero may superficially work in an office, but inside his psyche, he's having epic battles.
In the movie The Wizard of Oz Dorothy fights and kills a witch, but the real challenge is overcoming her insecurities, and learning to have faith in herself. Conversely, Remains of the Day takes place entirely in a bland, mundane, heavily bounded setting, but the main character's repressed inner life is filled with (psychological) dangers that are never acted out, but only hinted at. Done properly, even the most strictly realistic story can have many of the same pleasures as great fantasy.
In your story, your main character needs to overcome something in order to reach his resolution --a great idea. That something doesn't need to be a literal dragon. Rather, it should be something internal --his own insecurity, or his ego, or his selfishness, or some other deep seated, hard-to-dislodge character flaw. Only after he changes and grows as a person does the needed idea flow forth.
answered 1 hour ago
Chris Sunami
24.2k33090
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
There is a theory that the fantasy aspects of classic myths and fairy tales are actually dramatizing internal psychological conflicts and their resolutions. The hero is fighting a monster, but's its really an elaborate metaphor for fighting off depression, or overcoming selfishness, or what-have-you. The same can work in reverse. The hero may superficially work in an office, but inside his psyche, he's having epic battles.
In the movie The Wizard of Oz Dorothy fights and kills a witch, but the real challenge is overcoming her insecurities, and learning to have faith in herself. Conversely, Remains of the Day takes place entirely in a bland, mundane, heavily bounded setting, but the main character's repressed inner life is filled with (psychological) dangers that are never acted out, but only hinted at. Done properly, even the most strictly realistic story can have many of the same pleasures as great fantasy.
In your story, your main character needs to overcome something in order to reach his resolution --a great idea. That something doesn't need to be a literal dragon. Rather, it should be something internal --his own insecurity, or his ego, or his selfishness, or some other deep seated, hard-to-dislodge character flaw. Only after he changes and grows as a person does the needed idea flow forth.
answered 1 hour ago
Chris Sunami
24.2k33090
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
There is a theory that the fantasy aspects of classic myths and fairy tales are actually dramatizing internal psychological conflicts and their resolutions. The hero is fighting a monster, but's its really an elaborate metaphor for fighting off depression, or overcoming selfishness, or what-have-you. The same can work in reverse. The hero may superficially work in an office, but inside his psyche, he's having epic battles.
In the movie The Wizard of Oz Dorothy fights and kills a witch, but the real challenge is overcoming her insecurities, and learning to have faith in herself. Conversely, Remains of the Day takes place entirely in a bland, mundane, heavily bounded setting, but the main character's repressed inner life is filled with (psychological) dangers that are never acted out, but only hinted at. Done properly, even the most strictly realistic story can have many of the same pleasures as great fantasy.
In your story, your main character needs to overcome something in order to reach his resolution --a great idea. That something doesn't need to be a literal dragon. Rather, it should be something internal --his own insecurity, or his ego, or his selfishness, or some other deep seated, hard-to-dislodge character flaw. Only after he changes and grows as a person does the needed idea flow forth.
answered 1 hour ago
Chris Sunami
24.2k33090
There is a theory that the fantasy aspects of classic myths and fairy tales are actually dramatizing internal psychological conflicts and their resolutions. The hero is fighting a monster, but's its really an elaborate metaphor for fighting off depression, or overcoming selfishness, or what-have-you. The same can work in reverse. The hero may superficially work in an office, but inside his psyche, he's having epic battles.
In the movie The Wizard of Oz Dorothy fights and kills a witch, but the real challenge is overcoming her insecurities, and learning to have faith in herself. Conversely, Remains of the Day takes place entirely in a bland, mundane, heavily bounded setting, but the main character's repressed inner life is filled with (psychological) dangers that are never acted out, but only hinted at. Done properly, even the most strictly realistic story can have many of the same pleasures as great fantasy.
In your story, your main character needs to overcome something in order to reach his resolution --a great idea. That something doesn't need to be a literal dragon. Rather, it should be something internal --his own insecurity, or his ego, or his selfishness, or some other deep seated, hard-to-dislodge character flaw. Only after he changes and grows as a person does the needed idea flow forth.
answered 1 hour ago
Chris Sunami
24.2k33090
answered 1 hour ago
Chris Sunami
24.2k33090
answered 1 hour ago
Chris Sunami
24.2k33090
answered 1 hour ago
Chris Sunami
24.2k33090
24.2k33090
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
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