Nothing you do or say is ever for no reason.
When I pick up the phone to call my husband at his office in the middle of the day, I might say it's for no reason, but it's really because I was lonely or bored and I wanted to have a grown-up to talk to after chatting with my 4-year-old about worms all morning.
When I open the fridge and stare aimlessly into it, I might say it's because I don't know what to eat, but it's really because I know what I want (CAKE!) and I know that it isn't what I should be having (SALAD!).
When I lie down on the sofa and flick on the TV, I might say it's because I had nothing else to do, but it's really because I either a) have something to do that I'm avoiding; or b) need some down time.
There is always a reason; there is always an objective. Company; food; relaxation.
It should be the same for your characters. Let every word and every movement be guided by that character's objective in that moment.
What are some of the objectives in your characters' hearts? What is the weirdest objective any of your characters has ever had?
So true. And even if we have random objectives our characters need clear objectives that relate to the plot.
ReplyDeleteGreat topic for O! I can't think of a super weird example, but always knowing what your characters want is vital to storytelling.
ReplyDeleteIn my novel, the main character's objective is to attain his father's love, which has been denied to him over the years, Interesting post.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I guess the oddest objective for one of my characters is her desire for reality to get off her back so she can return to living her life of illusory perfection. Stopping by on the A-Z, and leaving as your newest follower. Good luck with the rest of the challenge.
ReplyDeleteIn my novel, the main character, a foster child, is seeking a permanent family but she screws up everything so badly by the end of the novel she's sure she will be sent to a new foster home. You'll have to read the book when it's published, to find out where she ends up. :-D
ReplyDeleteIn my novel, the main character, a foster child, is seeking a permanent family but she screws up everything so badly by the end of the novel she's sure she will be sent to a new foster home. You'll have to read the book when it's published, to find out where she ends up. :-D
ReplyDeleteGood post! At this point my MC's objective is to stay sane :)
ReplyDelete