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Character Revision Article
Topic Started: Feb 1 2009, 03:23 PM (356 Views)
bjullie
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When a novel manuscript isn’t working well, but it’s hard to pinpoint a cause, look at the protagonist. If a main character seems weak or if his personality traits, hobbies and such don’t fit well, the whole novel can feel “off.”

A Weak Protagonist

Is the protagonist strong enough? A main character must be well-developed and believable enough to carry the story.

Solution: Look carefully at the character’s deeper motivations. Develop them more carefully and make sure the actions and dialogue in the story reflect them. If a secondary character is stronger than the protagonist, the writer must either “beef up” the protagonist so he/she truly drives the story, or else switch things around to make the secondary character the protagonist.
Example: Perhaps the leader of an expedition is overshadowed by one of the team. Is it really the team member’s story instead? If so, it will be worth the complete rewrite required. If not, try strengthening the leader by giving him some character traits to play off the team member or to work with a subplot. For example, deepen the reason for his moods and let it come through as he interacts with other characters. Give him a long-standing fear of or fascination with spiders to add a plot complication.
Character Growth

Does the protagonist grow through the story somehow? Does he change his outlook on something, realize something about himself, or be moved to act in a way he wouldn’t have before?

A story where there is no character growth becomes a recitation of plot details – good enough for the dime novels of the past, but not what editors want today.

Solution: Make sure the characters are human, with flaws as well as strengths, but be sure they aren’t superficial, easily-fixed flaws. To be believable, growth must come from a character’s internal needs.
Example: Instead of a detective who simply solves a crime while his divorce is becoming final, try letting his discoveries about the victim help him recognize something about his soon-to-be ex-wife. It may not change the outcome of either plot line, but his understanding grows.
Reader Identification

Will readers identify with the protagonist? A reader who doesn’t care about the character won’t keep reading.

Solution: Showing the character’s emotions will help tremendously. Readers may not be wizards, high-powered executives, or live in the 16th century, but they can identify with fear of failure, yearning for love, a need to control one’s fate, etc.
Example: Pick up any classic or bestseller for this example. Who hasn’t yearned for a love as strong as Romeo and Juliet’s? Or had to find the courage to face evil like Harry Potter? Or felt as driven to get what they want as Scarlett O’Hara?
Major character revision, along with major plot revision, will strengthen the critical elements of a novel manuscript and provide the basis for a polished final draft.

Here is the link: http://character-development.suite101.com/article.cfm/major_character_revision
Writer's Block, my website for young writers.
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