I'm really beginning to think that I should write only when I've had less than 5 hours of sleep and way too much caffeine/sugar.
I've been feeling there's something missing in my story lately, and I had begun to realize it was because I needed another character. One to replace MAX, because he was suddenly no longer filling the role I had originally designed. So, I needed a new character. But, if I created a new character, how was he going to fit into the group and where would that leave MAX, since I didn't want to completely get rid of him? I didn't know until today.
I went shopping after work at the mall, which essentially meant I was awake for a whole 24 hours in the end. Right now, I'm working, but I get off tomorrow--which equals sleep, more shopping, and cookie baking. Anyway, sitting here in the super quiet, trying not to fall asleep at my desk, I suddenly realized in the middle of counting money what to do. One of those "AH! HA!" moments, which I haven't had in a while.
Looking at a number of established group dynamics on TV (Firefly, Buffy, Angel, Dexter, Outlaw Star, Leverage, Chuck, etc.), I've come to this conclusion. There are two categories for characters: function and personality. And most groups have this kind of a set up.
As I was trying to go further in the story, I realized I needed a mechanic character. So, I created Luca and used him to fulfill MAX's original role. So, where does that leave MAX, in the much needed role as the Wise One and Confidant, of course. How else are you going to pursue your Plot Point 1 and Plot Point 3?
Anyway, I'm excited to get back to the story now, after a little creative lull. Plus, I have a new character to fill out. Finally, my sister seems to have corrupted me, because I've decided to name most my characters in Madness after hockey players.
I've been feeling there's something missing in my story lately, and I had begun to realize it was because I needed another character. One to replace MAX, because he was suddenly no longer filling the role I had originally designed. So, I needed a new character. But, if I created a new character, how was he going to fit into the group and where would that leave MAX, since I didn't want to completely get rid of him? I didn't know until today.
I went shopping after work at the mall, which essentially meant I was awake for a whole 24 hours in the end. Right now, I'm working, but I get off tomorrow--which equals sleep, more shopping, and cookie baking. Anyway, sitting here in the super quiet, trying not to fall asleep at my desk, I suddenly realized in the middle of counting money what to do. One of those "AH! HA!" moments, which I haven't had in a while.
Looking at a number of established group dynamics on TV (Firefly, Buffy, Angel, Dexter, Outlaw Star, Leverage, Chuck, etc.), I've come to this conclusion. There are two categories for characters: function and personality. And most groups have this kind of a set up.
Function
Main Character
Brains
(Willow)
Muscle
(Adam Baldwin)
Mechanic
(not sure what to call this but it's basically Parker or Kylee or Jim)
Femme Fatal
(Inara, Sophie)
Wise One
(Shepherd, Loren)
Character that Drives the Story
(usually, but not always the main character - ex. River in Firefly)
Personality
Leader
Naive
Nag
Wild Card/Anger Management
Comedic Element
Confidant
Romantic Interest
Main Character
Brains
(Willow)
Muscle
(Adam Baldwin)
Mechanic
(not sure what to call this but it's basically Parker or Kylee or Jim)
Femme Fatal
(Inara, Sophie)
Wise One
(Shepherd, Loren)
Character that Drives the Story
(usually, but not always the main character - ex. River in Firefly)
Personality
Leader
Naive
Nag
Wild Card/Anger Management
Comedic Element
Confidant
Romantic Interest
As I was trying to go further in the story, I realized I needed a mechanic character. So, I created Luca and used him to fulfill MAX's original role. So, where does that leave MAX, in the much needed role as the Wise One and Confidant, of course. How else are you going to pursue your Plot Point 1 and Plot Point 3?
Anyway, I'm excited to get back to the story now, after a little creative lull. Plus, I have a new character to fill out. Finally, my sister seems to have corrupted me, because I've decided to name most my characters in Madness after hockey players.
