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You did know I would fit Damon in here somewhere right? So... we talked on Monday about making a character into a "real person". Real people are flawed. Don't roll your eyes at me and say, "yeah, I've heard it." Because maybe you haven't heard it like this...
How to bring out the Dark Side of your character:
Make sure the MC you've chosen is the absolute WRONG person to be put in this situation. Look at the main problem/task/challenge/choice your MC has to face. Take his/her achilles heel and strike at it full force right away. Oooh, now we got something..
Make sure that major flaw isn't the ONLY thing your character has trouble with. I know you love your character, but in this case we need tough love. Real people have more than one flaw. We may be working on the major one that flows with the plot for the character arc, but that doesn't mean your MC ends up perfect at the end, does it? NO. Besides, if he/she only has one flaw how will you ever do a sequel?? LOL
Be the Devil. Not literally silly. What I mean is use temptation. Throw everything you can at that sucker. Make it so that your MC will suffer by doing the right thing and be rewarded (at least on the surface) by the wrong choice.
Let him give in. Don't stop it. If you start typing something you aren't proud of on his behalf, suck it up and do it. Let the character make the decision and guide you. You know what I'm talking about.
Show his inner conflict. Don't hide it. Let us see what drives him, what he's wrestling with. Please take a couple of minutes to watch this scene. It REALLY demonstrates this most important point. Warning - it is graphic.
So, question for you: I totally get the inner turmoil - cram as much in there as you can and watch it just create the story for you. It's amazing. I'm completely on board with writing YA that way.
But here's the question: How much of that do you put in MG? Some, yes. But how strong, how dramatic? You can't write a crazy intense scene like that video (obvs), so if I keep the scenes light, can I still have the inner turmoil? I think the answer is yes, but I'm grappling with that right now for an MG story, so I was wondering about your take. :)
Susan - I don't claim to be an expert - especially at MG. But my personal feeling is that you still use these tips, just not in as graphic of a way. I believe in MG the inner battles are more in line with the age group. Which to the reader will feel just as immense as our problems feel for us. So don't be afraid to be true or intense, I think it would just naturally come out more age appropriate because of the subject/traits. Does that make sense?
@Lisa I think you are right, I'm just wrangling with how that's going to come out on paper. I think you're right, though, if I keep the focus on a true-MG-perspective, I think that will handle things.
J. - :D Thank you. Hope my head doesn't explode and get brilliance all over everything. That could be messy.
Susan - It cannot hurt you to write it that way. You can always change it later, but I suspect it will help you grow as a writer and you will be surprised at where it takes you. I repeat yet AGAIN "write what scares you"
I was thinking about the MG perspective too, and I've done everything on your list in my MC (can you hear the applause?) but in her case, the "dark" side is more of a selfishness and an unwillingness to control negative urges. But it could be lots of things--bad things for 10 and 11 year olds. There is still the inner battle, and there is absolutely more than one flaw, but...they don't end up with blood on their mouths at the end of the scene. They end up having to do extra chores or getting grounded or something much less graphic and scary. No that the video scared me. I am so much braver than that. ;)
This is a really well thought-out and well-organized post, Lisa. You are great at this.
Kristen - thank you! I appreciate that. And yes, that's an excellent way to explain how this works for MG. I intended it to apply to all writing, I just use the paranormal because that's what I do! :D
I love this! And not just the picture of Ian. LOL I totally get what you're saying and they characters do too because they keep arguing with me about letting them BE who they're meant to be. Haha! Great post Lisa!
Great post and demo! I love how you remind us to let our MCs be flawed in more than one way. Even if it pains us to type it out. I will be keeping this in mind with my wip as I'm still developing the characters. Nice pic, BTW. Damon's not all bad. ;)
Especially for any of us writers *ahem* who may write a character they relate to very closely. Sometimes you forget to put in those faults if they are your own. :)
Thank you for the great post!!! Damon Salvatore is always my muse when it comes to tapping into the dark-side a character. Ian Somerholder is wonderful at portraying his inner conflicts!
Whoa - what a clip. I'm heading for the garlic and my cross right now. Love your take on MFT - multiple flaw theory. Adds great depth and conflict through the story.
I think what jumps out at me most in this post is your first point. I've heard that point made before -- that your character needs to be the worst person to find themselves in their current situation -- but for some reason, it's one I forget. And it adds so much emotional depth.
I feel like a deer in the headlights looking at that pic. sooooooooooo niiiiiiiice, but also, I think I might die in the next half second.
Some great advice from Debra Dixon - don't give your character a choice between good and evil, that would be too easy. Give them a choice between sucky and suckier.
Wow, this is an awesome post, chocked full of great stuff. I'm so glad I checked your site today. I wonder why your posts aren't showing up in my Blogger daashboaard. Maybe if I subscribe by email.
Love the scene with Damon - Yes, he's very easy on the eyes! I think the wipes is a good idea, but no self-respecting vampire would stoop so low. Maybe a hanky will do?
This week, the major TV networks got all dressed up to court advertisers at their upfront presentations. They casually announced several show cancellations — “Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior,” “Hellcats,” “$#*! My Dad Says,” and many,... Read the rest of this post
Maricopa County Library District Rocked the Drop system-wide in Phoenix, Arizona! Thanks to Teen Services Manager Caris O'Malley and everyone who participated!
Been far too long since I posted a pic of my favorite bad boy, so here's some eye candy. But he's here for a reason! I love the show the Vampire Diaries. I'm completely addicted. So I thought I'd take a closer look at WHY? Because these elements are things we should all strive for in our writing.
Multidimensional Characters - Hot guys can only take you so far. The characters on the show aren't just stereotypes, and they don't always behave as you expect them too, but they DO behave in a way that is true to their character. For example? Well, let's take Damon. Every time I think he's "reformed" because of his newfound love for Elana, what does he do? Rip out someones heart. Attack and kill an innocent girl, but not before pouring his heart out to her about how he misses his humanity. It's this inner conflict that holds my interest. Let's hope all our characters have such deep and intriguing motivations.
Complex Plots - The story lines on the show keep moving and building in interesting ways. They consistently up the stakes for the characters, though I admit I wonder how long this can continue. So far so good though. Lots of twists and turns that I don't always see coming (and it's pretty hard to fool me), and original material. A great example that we can write about things as common as vampires and werewolves while remaining unique.
Consistent Lore - With a show this complex, it would be easy to trip up somewhere and make a mistake. I used to love the show X-files. Remember that one? But in the end, I think Chris Carter wrote himself into a corner. So far, everything in Vampire Diaries has remained plausible within the world they have created. There's been an explanation for everything. We have to do the same with our world building. The second we write something conflicting with a rule we've set out, we shatter that delicate trust we've instilled in our readers.
So I stand by my original stance regarding Vampire Diaries. It's research! But it's FUN research.
Good writing is good writing whether it's tv, movies, or fiction. If the show was just about vampires and not about people with inner conflict - the show would flop. Great examples.
I like how you mentioned that characters can do the unexpected yet be true to who they are as a character. That is a wonderful phenomenon we need to capture. (pss...heart the Vampire Diaries, too.)
Vampire Diaries is actually the only television show I watch. These are all good points--it's good to take a step back and ask why a show or a book is so riveting!
LOL! Research! I love that. I'm so using that line! You make some excellent points though. There are good reasons we love this show so much. Complex characters is something I strive for in my own writing.
Oh I LOVE this show too! And I'm going to admit this: I'd LOVE to create characters like Damon. Hot and evil and surprising and... just wow. I think it's a lot of work, isn't it?
Anyway! I LOVE that I found you on the blogosphere! Seems like I met you so long ago and I've never seen your blog--till now! YAY!
Monica - me too!! I don't know why I don't check out people's blogs right away when I follow. Duh. But I'm glad we found each other. Especially since you obviously appreciate Damon. he he he.
I started this and realized you meant the show, not the books. I didn't watch the show, but the books are not my favorite by Ms. Smith. Her other series are far more complex and interesting and original.
LOL. Don't read them. Read her nightworld series, or the secret circle, or dark visions (my favorite and I wish they'd make a movie out of it. Psychic kids.)
I haven't watched this show, although I was a huge fan of Buffy, which had complex characters and was witty besides. I also like Supernatural, so I'll have to check this out.
I love #3 in particular. so important (and so hard!) to establish the "rules" of your world and then not break them! And these days you have to seek out really original rules, too... makes it that much more complicated.
I love love love TVD! I posted had a post about the show and writing not that long ago. I love the last minute of each episode. Their cliffhangers are killah! lol You just are left dying for the next one. So we should all aim to have killer endings for our chapters to that our readers will never put our books down.
Thanks, Nicole! I peeked, but didn't find it, so that's great. And don't worry. I kept tweeting nonsense yesterday then catching it. :P Once of those days...
Like Julie I haven't watched this show :/. But it sounds good and I like the elements you've written about. I especialluy agree with #1 and am working to make sure my characters have depth.
Loved you X-Files example. I was and remain a faithful devotee of the show especially the alien mythology story. It was sad when that all got a little jimble jumbled, and let's not talk about the 2nd movie. Okay, I do own it, but let's not talk about it.
It IS research! I completely agree. To add to this, I liked how they recently showed the darker side of Stephen by revealing what a killer he used to be. Sometimes he can come across as almost too good, and it was nice to see a different side to him. Characters can't be all good.
Kelly - YES! That was good, and so funny because I was afraid from the previews that it was going to feel forced or gimmicky, and yet again it was an AMAZING episode. They did add dimension last season when he "fell off the wagon" with human blood too. :D
Love stories are great no matter what the format. Vampires have a lot of symbolism...and it's interesting that even though people say there's a vampire trend, vampires never really seem to be absent from fiction for long. Even in the 90s, Anne Rice was hugely popular.
Stephanie - Yay for vampires!! I loved Lestat back then, and I love Damon now! ;D And yes, I think the key is the humanity in the story, no matter what the paranormal characters in it.
Today's post comes from Skyanne, an avid "Vampire Diaries" fan who was mortified to know that her favorite show was being promoted as a sex-fueled romp. Other fans were also outraged, but some were fine with the message, hoping it would keep the... Read the rest of this post
Alloy relaunches Teen.com (the celeb news site is newly pumped up with social and content-sharing features, and an original web series featuring pop star Charice) (MediaPost, reg. required)
- Snooki as a case study for Millennials? (Not exactly,... Read the rest of this post
Ok, I admit it. I'm a huge fan of the CW series The Vampire Diaries. I'm totally team Damon. One reason why I was so excited that Smart Pops let me read and review this anthology that includes essays from popular YA authors on their take on the series. **Yes, I'm not the only fan! A Visitor's Guide to Mystic Falls: Your Favorite Authors on The Vampires Diaries is a fun and insightful collection of essays. A must read for any fan of the series.
Today's Ypulse Youth Advisory Board post is a TV review from Caroline Marques, an American teen in Switzerland, who picked "Vampire Diaries" as one to watch for our Fall TV Preview. As always, you can communicate directly with any member of the... Read the rest of this post
I am obviously a teen at heart. (Maybe in my maturity level too.)
Somehow I always fall in love the CW or Fox shows.
Why?
Good question: I will tell you my top 5 reasons (besides #1 these are in no particular order :):
1. Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder - Honestly do I have to say any more? All I can say is "Yes please!" OK so who cares if they are dead, who cares if they have fangs, and who cares if they have anger management issues - I say "the more to love them with". (Oh wait, all that stuff is pretend, right?) 2. Vampire Diaries - This shows takes a good bite out of my Thursday nights and I love it! Obviously, a natural follow-up to #1. The show is awesome and follows the amazing books of LJ Smith )who BTW was wayyyyyyy before Stephanie Meyer. Like in the 90s before. This shows manages to get me to have 2 heart stops, 2 jumps, and 1 squeal - in each episode! Yes the jumping out of the trees and popping up in mirrors is probably predictable - but hey call me slow.
3. Glee - This show makes me happy! Why? because I see my life as a musical anyway - really! (check out the post I did on my life's soundtrack). Every time Lea Michele (AKA Rachel) sings - chills run down my spin and goose bumps form on my arms. The inappropriateness of the Principal, Coach Sue, and others crack me up. Yes I love inappropriate humor (as long as it is not about me!:) Mr Shu is a cutie pie, the music rocks, but most of all, Jane Lynch (Coach Sue) is hilarious.
Jane - you had me at Best in Show!!!
4. Dollhouse - All I can say is Echo is a bada$$! I love her guts and the concept is so cool. I mean - a illegal and underground group of people who have their personalities wiped clean so they can get any new personas. Plus they all have eternal amnesia - what a world! How cool is that! Wish I'd thought of it! Oh yeah, and JossWhelon (who wrote Buffy) - can't wait to see your episode on Glee!!! Maybe Coach Sue and Mr Shu can have a rocking fight scene.
5. CW and Fox Reality shows - Give me Top model, Runway, American Idol, or So You Think You Can Dance any day. I love seeing regular people make it. OK OK so maybe it's staged, but I'll take a fake "making it" over no "making it" any day. Makes me think everyone has a shot in this business if you keep pushing for it.
It gives me hope and I love the see the underdog win. Only if they are talented in some way though. Lets be real - some schmuck who stinks doesn't give me hope.
PS maybe tomorrow I will list my next 5! Yes, that's right, the teen list goes on. Maybe Ill even start a feature called Teen Tuesday where I will list another teen thing I love.
29 Comments on I heart Teen TV - let me count the ways!, last added: 10/31/2009
I love the idea that real people have a shot in this business too! So fun. Weirdly, I love Dancing with the Stars though - which is technically people already in the business. But it's people who needed a boost of some sort, so that appeals to me too. Last night's dance to Taylor Swift's love story (my obsession with her is the teen-est thing about me for sure) made me cry!
I was 190% with you until the reality show thing. I rarely watch them... but only because I know I get addicted too easily. I have WAY too many Saturday afternoon ANTM marathons under my belt from college. But seriously, Vamp Diaries, Glee, & Dollhouse? Make my week. And I had no idea Joss was directing a Glee episode. After the crazy fun Buffy musical episode? CAN'T WAIT.
Shelli it's twins day for us b/c I just did a recent post like this (I am a teen at heart)--and just mentioned those hot vamp brothers again this week-LOL!!!!!
Yep, I'm with ya. Guilty as charged. Glad I'm not the only adult thoroughly enthralled by teen drama. Don't even get me started on following them on Twitter! Oddly fascinating. Maybe it's because as a writer of YA fiction, most of my main characters are teens...yeah, I'm going with that. In the name of RESEARCH!! :)
I'm so with you on this. Love Glee and the Vampire Diaries. But I have a long history of being hooked on teen shows. Dawson's Creek, One Tree Hill, My So-Called Life--it's a problem really.
I was rolling along with you until #5. That's a brickwall for me. I would have more respect for the concept if they changed the name from REALITY TV to STAGED TV. And besides, as soon as a camera enters the room, nobody is REAL.
Oh, me too, for sure. I love Glee and American Idol. It's the love of the coming of age tale. It has always been a powerful theme for fiction. I think it is a growing phenomenon in publishing. I teach college graphic design and ALWAYS use the awesome YA bookcovers as examples which sparks lively conversations. Many of my students who are aged 18 and up love YA and read it voraciously.
I'll never grow up--not me! I love teen stuff. And So You Think You Can Dance is awesome. I love what the dancers are able to pull off each time with the choreographers.
I'm a big fan of reality shows, particularly Top Model and Project Runway. I tried Vampire Diaries, but it didn't quite hold my interest. Too bad because I loved the books when I was younger. Still do :D
I'm right there with you. I am far from my teen years, but I am a teenager at heart. I love Justin Timberlake, Degrassi, almost the whole CW lineup, and, of course, YA novels!
I hope by your picture of David Cook following your statement that "some schmuck who stinks" doesn't imply that he is that because I love David Cook. I do.
I'm totally with you on Glee and Dollhouse. I don't consider them teen TV. Well, I guess I could consider Glee teen TV, but Dollhouse is way too complex and into heavy issues to be considered teen TV.
I watched the first 3 or so episodes of Vampire Diaries, but I lost interest. It just didn't have the wit and such that I want from a show like that. The only good thing on the show for me was Ian. He was an awesome bad guy.
Oh, and if you're into these shows you should definitely be watching Supernatural. It's my favorite show on TV right now. It beats Dollhouse because it's in season 5 and has had more time to grow on me.
MySpace Music Videos (launches as the latest effort to get the soc net's groove back. Mashable describes the service as a Hulu that doesn't expire, while Social Times calls out MTV online for a missed opportunity. Plus ReadWriteWeb asks the... Read the rest of this post
Ah, Fall TV. The silver lining to those back-to-school blues. And this year there seems to be no shortage of shiny new shows grabbing for teens' attention. The CW alone has made sure of that.
To get a better idea of the new and returning shows... Read the rest of this post
'Twilight' in Habbo (Summit Entertainment has chosen Habbo to promote the Twilight franchise. Hmmm….It's hard for me to warm up to Bella and Edward as little square people. Plus Claires to promote the "Fame" remake. And Sony pushes the... Read the rest of this post
'Vibe' names new editor (Jermaine Hall from King and Source will lead the now quarterly print publication and the digital revival of the music mag. Also Seventeen's "Fashion Finder' iPhone app tops the lifestyle category) (New York Times, reg.... Read the rest of this post
Comic-Con cont'd (a nice overview of what generated buzz and what fell short in San Diego last week. Also ReadWriteWeb takes a closer look at the "Avatar" toys integrated with augmented reality. And sci-fi blog i09 pans the pilot of The CW's... Read the rest of this post
CW cuts off 'Privileged,' 'Gossip Girl' spin-off (maybe little rich girls are going out of style? On tap instead: twentysomethings and vampires in the "Melrose Place" remake, and "Vampire Diaries." Also, GG star Chace Crawford signs on for the... Read the rest of this post
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Oh man, that video. Wow.
So, question for you: I totally get the inner turmoil - cram as much in there as you can and watch it just create the story for you. It's amazing. I'm completely on board with writing YA that way.
But here's the question: How much of that do you put in MG? Some, yes. But how strong, how dramatic? You can't write a crazy intense scene like that video (obvs), so if I keep the scenes light, can I still have the inner turmoil? I think the answer is yes, but I'm grappling with that right now for an MG story, so I was wondering about your take. :)
Susan - I don't claim to be an expert - especially at MG. But my personal feeling is that you still use these tips, just not in as graphic of a way. I believe in MG the inner battles are more in line with the age group. Which to the reader will feel just as immense as our problems feel for us. So don't be afraid to be true or intense, I think it would just naturally come out more age appropriate because of the subject/traits. Does that make sense?
"Make sure the MC you've chosen is the absolute WRONG person to be put in this situation."
I absolutely LOVE this. I've never heard it written this way, but it's brilliant.
@Lisa I think you are right, I'm just wrangling with how that's going to come out on paper. I think you're right, though, if I keep the focus on a true-MG-perspective, I think that will handle things.
J. - :D Thank you. Hope my head doesn't explode and get brilliance all over everything. That could be messy.
Susan - It cannot hurt you to write it that way. You can always change it later, but I suspect it will help you grow as a writer and you will be surprised at where it takes you. I repeat yet AGAIN "write what scares you"
I was thinking about the MG perspective too, and I've done everything on your list in my MC (can you hear the applause?) but in her case, the "dark" side is more of a selfishness and an unwillingness to control negative urges. But it could be lots of things--bad things for 10 and 11 year olds. There is still the inner battle, and there is absolutely more than one flaw, but...they don't end up with blood on their mouths at the end of the scene. They end up having to do extra chores or getting grounded or something much less graphic and scary.
No that the video scared me. I am so much braver than that. ;)
This is a really well thought-out and well-organized post, Lisa. You are great at this.
Kristen - thank you! I appreciate that. And yes, that's an excellent way to explain how this works for MG. I intended it to apply to all writing, I just use the paranormal because that's what I do! :D
Ah, thanks for the eye candy!!! :)
Great post on character development (as always) and an excellent clip to show it in action.
I love this! And not just the picture of Ian. LOL I totally get what you're saying and they characters do too because they keep arguing with me about letting them BE who they're meant to be. Haha! Great post Lisa!
Karen - YW! Thanks, I just love that scene.
Anime - Let them make their own decisions mom LOL
Great post and demo! I love how you remind us to let our MCs be flawed in more than one way. Even if it pains us to type it out. I will be keeping this in mind with my wip as I'm still developing the characters. Nice pic, BTW. Damon's not all bad. ;)
Oh, my, that picture is hotness!
Wait, there were words after?
Kimberly - glad it was useful!
LJ- those aren't as important. ;D
I think this is great.
Especially for any of us writers *ahem* who may write a character they relate to very closely. Sometimes you forget to put in those faults if they are your own. :)
I'd embrace any dark side, if it looks like him. Seriously, thank you for the wonderful post. You explain how to do it so well. Thanks! :D
Thank you for the great post!!! Damon Salvatore is always my muse when it comes to tapping into the dark-side a character. Ian Somerholder is wonderful at portraying his inner conflicts!
Whoa - what a clip. I'm heading for the garlic and my cross right now. Love your take on MFT - multiple flaw theory. Adds great depth and conflict through the story.
Sushi - NEVER!! :D
Brenda - Thanks for the compliment.
Melinda - I'm with you all the way on that!
Leslie - He he I like the acronym MFT. Master in Fine Arts no more!
I think what jumps out at me most in this post is your first point. I've heard that point made before -- that your character needs to be the worst person to find themselves in their current situation -- but for some reason, it's one I forget. And it adds so much emotional depth.
I need these reminders. Thank you!
Susan - no problem! Glad it was useful to you.
I feel like a deer in the headlights looking at that pic.
sooooooooooo niiiiiiiice, but also, I think I might die in the next half second.
Some great advice from Debra Dixon - don't give your character a choice between good and evil, that would be too easy. Give them a choice between sucky and suckier.
Ebony - I know, right? Yummy and dangerous. LOL I LOVE that advice!! sucky and suckier!
This is absolutely stellar advice topped off with one HOT picture... how I do love him :D
Nut- He's like the whipped cream on the cocoa. It wouldn't be the same without...
Wow, this is an awesome post, chocked full of great stuff. I'm so glad I checked your site today. I wonder why your posts aren't showing up in my Blogger daashboaard. Maybe if I subscribe by email.
Love the scene with Damon - Yes, he's very easy on the eyes!
I think the wipes is a good idea, but no self-respecting vampire would stoop so low. Maybe a hanky will do?