Ep. 477: Creating Your Character's Inner Conflict: Want vs. Need

Summary

In this episode of the 'Helping Writers Become Authors' podcast, KM Wiland discusses the pivotal role of a character's inner conflict in storytelling. Focusing on the dichotomy between what a character wants (the 'lie') and what they truly need (the 'truth'), Wiland explores how this tension shapes character arcs. Drawing on examples like Luke Skywalker, the podcast delves into how internal struggles reflect broader themes of personal growth, moral choices, and the impact of accepting or rejecting truth. The episode emphasizes the complexity of human desires and the consequences of navigating internal and external conflicts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reflects on how moving to a new location last fall led to changes in their work life, making it harder to maintain previous productivity levels.
• 😀 The speaker is planning to publish a writing guide on theme and an updated guide on novel outlining in 2020.
• 😀 The speaker is exploring co-working spaces to help improve work productivity by offering uninterrupted time and accountability.
• 😀 The main theme of the podcast is about character inner conflict, specifically focusing on the dichotomy between what the character wants and what they need.
• 😀 Inner conflict in a story is often portrayed as the struggle between a character's desires (want) and their needs, which represent deeper thematic truths.
• 😀 The character's 'want' typically represents the 'lie' they believe, often based on past experiences or misconceptions about what will improve their life.
• 😀 The character's 'need' represents the thematic truth, which is often difficult to accept because it requires personal growth and sacrifice.
• 😀 Luke Skywalker's arc in *Star Wars* illustrates how the character's 'want' (to become a Jedi and escape his past) is based on a 'lie,' while his 'need' (overcoming fear and anger) represents the truth he must embrace.
• 😀 Characters often have to choose between two competing desires or needs, where accepting the true need may come with difficult consequences.
• 😀 The process of identifying the want, need, lie, and truth in a character's arc is crucial for creating compelling and nuanced inner conflict that mirrors the external plot.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of this episode of the podcast?

The primary focus of the episode is about understanding a character's inner conflict, particularly the difference between what a character wants versus what they need, and how this conflict plays out in a story.

How did the host's personal life impact their productivity in the past year?

The host experienced a challenging year due to moving near family, particularly their niece and nephews, which led to disruptions in their work schedule. They took a break from major projects but planned to return to writing and publishing guides in the future.

What are the host's plans for 2020, as mentioned in the podcast?

The host plans to publish a writing guide on theme and possibly another guide focused on outlining novels, which would be an updated and more in-depth version.

What is the purpose of co-working spaces, according to the host?

Co-working spaces provide a way for people to work outside the house in an office environment, offering uninterrupted work time, passive accountability, and a sense of community. The host is exploring these spaces as a way to improve productivity.

What is the 'inner conflict' in storytelling that the host refers to?

The inner conflict refers to the internal struggle a character experiences between their desires and needs. This often manifests as a battle between the 'want' (a lie-based goal) and the 'need' (a truth-based resolution).

How does the 'want' of a character relate to their inner conflict?

The 'want' is typically a character's plot goal and represents a lie or misconception. It reflects their desire to fill a gap or solve a problem, but it often leads them away from true growth and health.

Can the 'want' of a character ever be a good thing?

Yes, the 'want' may not always be bad. It can be a positive desire, but the way the character pursues it or the underlying belief they hold may be misguided or unhealthy.

What does the 'need' represent in a character's inner conflict?

The 'need' represents the truth or the deeper, healthier solution that the character must embrace. It is typically more difficult to pursue and may involve sacrifice, but it ultimately leads to personal growth and resolution of the internal conflict.

How does the 'need' contrast with the 'want' in terms of character growth?

The 'need' often requires the character to let go of their false beliefs or desires (the 'want'). It represents the path to healing and self-actualization, whereas the 'want' is often a false or incomplete solution that prevents the character from achieving true growth.

What is the significance of the struggle between 'want' versus 'need' in a story?

The struggle between 'want' and 'need' forms the core of a character's arc. It creates internal tension, propels the character’s journey, and reflects a deeper thematic conflict about accepting difficult truths versus pursuing immediate desires.