Tag: character

Character-driven or Plot-driven?

That was the underlying question at a recent event where I joined Donna Overly in an Amelia Island Writers presentation at bookstore Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Drawing on her experience as the author of several books, including a novel series, and on lots of research, Donna began our talk by discussing character and offering lots of great tips to our audience of dozens of talented local writers.

Then, I segued to the topic of pacing and plot using a 9-box “Plotter/Plantser/Pantser” chart (“Plantser” is the hybrid and the one that probably best describes me lately). I spoke about the Hero’s Journey in Three Acts and explained the “Save The Cat” beat sheets commonly used in screenplays. Save the Cat has been a wonderful guide for me in writing my novels and my work of creative nonfiction (memoir).

The bottom line: both character and plot/pacing are important. Super important. Readers desire to relate to characters as much as they anticipate a hook, catalyst, midpoint, and finale – a satisfying ending. The story can include unexpected plot twist(s), of course, which commonly occur during the second half, especially as the stakes rise closer to the end.

So – do we start with character, or plot? For me, it’s both, and each needs to be compelling. Merci to Amelia Island Writers for the opportunity to delve into storytelling, to share what we’ve learned, and for the great questions posed during the Q&A afterward.

0

Character vs. plot: comme vous voulez

“Before I began writing my suspense novel UNDERWATER, I knew the basic plot and the conflict that my characters would face (I didn’t know how to start without it). I had identified the plot points and story arc, though I also had “unplanned complications” along the way. When I began writing the story, though, I started with my characters. I had to know them well (especially the heroine and the villain), so that I could describe their behavior and write their dialogue – so that I knew how they would engage.

However…I realized that another character needed to be different from what I originally planned…I made some changes, and she became more vital to the story, and a stronger, much more interesting character. Problem solved!”

– a Comment I made on writer Deanna Raybourn’s blog post of March 13, 2014. (I met her earlier this month at the Dahlonega Literary Festival when we were both a panelists discussing suspense in fiction.)

IMG_0145About half the panel: Deanna’s on the far right, wearing a reddish-pink scarf, and I’m wearing gray.

The question was about plot versus character, and Deanna and I responded to it differently. For her, it was all about plot – she starts with that, then thinks up and creates her characters. For me – and for the other panelists – characters came first.

We all agreed that either way works – it’s all about writing a compelling story, no matter what your approach. But I didn’t fully understand Deanna’s (or realize how much it and my own have in common) until I read her blog post.

The character that I had to change in UNDERWATER – who became more vital to the story – was someone who developed as I wrote the book. I realized that her personality, her backstory, even her demons were integral to the plot. I knew she would play an important role, but originally, I didn’t know how important.

Hopefully, neither does the reader.

In any case, for me it’s important to imaginer les personnages – imagine the characters – before crafting a story’s plot. That doesn’t mean I don’t have the plot in my head, or even on paper on a computer file (I prefer a blank screen over a clean sheet of paper; typing flows better for me than handwriting).

La réponse to the question? Comme vous voulez – as you wish. Either can work, but flexibility seems key. That way, you’re open to “unplanned complications” (and other elements) that can solve pose problems!

Vive la différence!

0

Create a website or blog at WordPress.com

Up ↑