Character

Summary

This script delves into the concept of character in storytelling, emphasizing the importance of creating believable and compelling characters that resonate emotionally with readers. It discusses the role of characters as both real people and ideological constructs, the distinction between flat and round characters, and the use of habits and ethics to reveal character depth. The speaker also touches on character development through physical features, emotions, and mental talents, advocating for complexity and contradiction to make characters relatable and engaging.

Takeaways

• 😀 A character in fiction should act in believable ways, whether in fiction or non-fiction, to engage the reader.
• 📚 Strong and compelling characters are central to the elements of storytelling, including dialogue, plot, and concrete details.
• 💭 Characters can also represent ideological constructs, embodying the author's perspectives and arguments.
• 🤔 Understanding a character's ideological construct helps to reveal their underlying assumptions and how they interact with others.
• 🌐 The concept of 'ethos' relates to character and is tied to habits, indicating how characters behave and function within society.
• 🔍 The distinction between flat and round characters is important; flat characters are consistent and unsurprising, while round characters are complex and nuanced.
• 👁️ Introducing characters through physical features and mental talents can reveal subtext and add depth to their portrayal.
• 🎭 Characters should embody a range of emotions to make them relatable and lifelike, affecting how they process events and memories.
• 🚫 Characters should not be completely consistent; unexpected events should happen to them to maintain complexity and interest.
• ❄️ Hemingway's 'iceberg theory' suggests that only a small portion of what you know about a character should be shown, with the rest providing depth.
• 🏁 Characters drive the action and plot, and their interactions with external forces create tension and suspense in the story.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the week's discussion in the transcript?

The primary focus of the week's discussion is character development, defining what it means and exploring the specifics of creating believable and compelling characters in both fiction and non-fiction.

Why should readers be invested in a character's story according to the transcript?

Readers should be invested in a character's story because it helps them connect with the narrative on an emotional level, even if they don't necessarily have to care about the character or person themselves.

What is the significance of showing and telling, dialogue, plot, and concrete details in character development?

Showing and telling, dialogue, plot, and concrete details are significant in character development because they all contribute to crafting strong and compelling characters that readers can relate to and remember.

How is a character considered an ideological construct in the transcript?

A character is considered an ideological construct as they represent the ideas, perspectives, and arguments that the author is making, serving as a vehicle to convey a particular point of view.

Why is it important to understand the ideological construct of a character?

Understanding the ideological construct of a character is important because it helps the author to explore the assumptions that drive the character's life and to create conflicts and relationships with other characters who may have different or unexamined assumptions.

How does the concept of 'ethos' relate to character behavior as discussed in the transcript?

In the transcript, 'ethos' relates to character behavior as it arises from habit, suggesting that a character's habits can reveal a lot about their nature and how they function within the story.

What is the difference between flat and round characters in the context of the transcript?

Flat characters are consistent, unsurprising, and often stereotypical, while round characters are complex, nuanced, and capable of displaying a range of human contradictions, making them more relatable and interesting.

Why is it suggested to have at least one main character in a story?

It is suggested to have at least one main character to allow for the development of a complex portrait and to provide a central figure that readers can follow and relate to throughout the story.

How can physical features contribute to character development?

Physical features contribute to character development by providing concrete details that can reveal aspects of a character's personality, subtext, and backstory, making them more three-dimensional and relatable.

What is the 'iceberg theory' mentioned in the transcript, and how does it apply to character development?

The 'iceberg theory' suggests that a writer should know a great deal about their character, but only show about 10% of that knowledge in the story. The remaining 90% enriches the character for the writer, ensuring depth and complexity without overwhelming the reader.

How do characters drive the action and plot in a story?

Characters drive the action and plot by doing things that create tension, suspense, and conflict. Their interactions with external forces, other characters, and their environment create the rising action that propels the story toward its resolution.

What is the significance of showing the public versus the private person in character development?

Showing the discrepancy between the public and private aspects of a character adds complexity and depth, revealing the character's true motivations, desires, and conflicts that may not be immediately apparent in their public persona.

How can dialogue be used effectively for characterization in a story?

Dialogue can be used effectively for characterization by revealing a character's ethics, beliefs, and manner of speaking, which can provide insights into their personality, background, and internal conflicts.

What are some exercises suggested in the transcript to better understand and develop characters?

Some exercises suggested include 'emptying the bucket' where you list items a character carries, writing detailed character sketches, and penning stream of consciousness monologues to explore a character's inner thoughts and emotions.