The Conundrum of Static Characters in Dynamic Stories
In my journey as a writing coach, I’ve encountered a common issue with many budding writers: characters who remain unchanged from start to finish. Now, hold on – this isn't automatically a storytelling faux pas. In fact, the lack of change can be a compelling narrative choice, but only if done right.
When Status Quo Makes the Story
Consider Marty McFly in Back to the Future (1985). His goal? To return to the status quo. Why? Because despite its flaws, he prefers his life to being stuck in 1955. Or take The Dude in The Big Lebowski – all he wants is his rug back, as it “tied the room together.” His life, with its bowling and White Russians, is perfectly content. In these examples, the stories revolve around defending or returning to a status quo that the characters cherish.
However, I often come across stories where the status quo is anything but ideal, and yet the characters seem to resist any form of change. They meander through the plot, making decisions that don't align with their emotional wounds, or they follow a structured external journey with no internal development. It's like watching a play where the actors are just going through the motions – it lacks the soul of true transformation.
Two Solutions for Character Development
So, how do we tackle this? There are two approaches:
Justify the Status Quo: If your story celebrates the status quo, make it shine. Convince your audience why everything in your script is in perfect harmony, why change is unnecessary. Let your characters fight tooth and nail to preserve their version of paradise. What makes them cling to their current reality so fiercely? Show us why a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Embrace Change: Alternatively, let your characters evolve. Change doesn’t have to be grandiose; even subtle shifts in perspective or small acts of defiance can be profoundly impactful. Allow your characters to grow, stumble, learn, and ultimately, transform. This journey of change not only makes your characters more relatable but also adds depth to your narrative.
In crafting memorable characters, the key lies in understanding their motivations and the world they inhabit. Whether your characters change or not, their actions, decisions, and journeys should reflect and enrich the story you're telling. The beauty of storytelling lies in its diversity – some tales thrive on transformation, while others find power in steadfastness.
Today’s Writing Challenge
So, here's a thought for all the storytellers out there: Examine your characters. Are they changing? If not, why? Is their world so captivatingly perfect that change is unnecessary, or are they ripe for a journey of transformation? Dive into the heart of your story and find out.
Remember, whether your characters change or steadfastly remain the same, their journey should captivate, resonate, and ultimately, leave your audience yearning for more.
