Adversity does not build character.
Adversity reveals it.
The Beginning of a memoir or work of fiction (1/4 of the entire project) for any age group serves -- among other things like the setting, the dramatic question, the mystery - if there is one, the love interest- if there is one, and the like -- to introduce the character's emotional development. This is where the character strengths and flaws, loves and hates, dreams and goals are introduced.
The Middle (1/2 of the entire project) serves to reveal the deeper nuances of the character's emotional development. This is the part of the story where the writer thrusts the protagonist into as much adversity as possible in order to reveal to the reader or movie goer who the character really is. (Plot tip: make a list of all possible antagonists-- other people, nature, society, belief system, and/or machines -- that can help to create conflict, tension and suspense or curiosity and thus reveal who the character is under pressure -- the more pressure the better)
The End (1/4 of the project) is that portion of the project that actually shows how the character's emotional development has been affected by the adversity in the Middle and reveals how the character has been transformed.
These steps in the overall character emotional transformation can be plotted out on a Plot Planner for ease in developing your project.
What is the most revealing adversity you have experienced either through your character or in your own life?
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By: Martha Alderson, M.A.,
on 3/28/2008
Blog: Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: antagonists, PLot Planner, writing the Middle, adversity, writing the Beginning, writing the End, Add a tag
By: Kate Messner,
on 9/2/2007
Blog: Kate's Book Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: california, stars, moon, slot canyon, lunar eclipse, california overland, desert, anzo-borrego, scorpions, dennis mammana, Add a tag
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By: Martha Alderson, M.A.,
on 3/28/2008
Blog: Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: antagonists, PLot Planner, writing the Middle, adversity, writing the Beginning, writing the End, Add a tag
18 Comments on Adversity, last added: 4/10/2008
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By: Kate Messner,
on 9/2/2007
Blog: Kate's Book Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: california, stars, moon, slot canyon, lunar eclipse, california overland, desert, anzo-borrego, scorpions, dennis mammana, Add a tag
My blog's been quiet for the past week because I was in San Diego on a family vacation. It was an incredible week in so many ways, but this was the highlight...
I was lucky enough to spend last Monday, the night of the total lunar eclipse, camping in the middle of Anzo-Borrego Desert State Park. Before we left, we found California Overland online and learned that they were offering an overnight desert trip with astronomer Dennis Mammana on the night of the eclipse. I took this picture just as the moon was rising over the mountains on our way to the campsite.
This is Joe from California Overland.
Joe is every bit as cool as he looks and is one of my family's new favorite people. He organized our trip, cooked our meals, set up our tents, and was an amazing tour guide for the stunning alien landscape he calls home. Our tour started with a drive in a refurbished military vehicle to a spectacular spot called Font's Point, overlooking the Anzo Borrego Badlands. Joe walked us partway up a hill, then said, "Look down at your feet now, and keep walking toward my voice. Don't look up until I tell you to." We trusted Joe by then, so we did this. When he told us to look up, we were at the edge of a cliff looking out at this view.
As the sun went down and the moon came up, we headed to our campsite, near an old homestead that's been swallowed up by sand dunes and tamarack trees. The tents were already set up, and Joe started cooking dinner. Joe, it turns out, is a better cook in the middle of the desert than I am in my own fully-equipped kitchen. Without running water or electricity or anything but an open fire, he whipped up grilled steak, herb-rubbed salmon, roasted corn on the cob, and a beautiful salad with greens and goat cheese. I like food a lot, so Joe was especially my hero then.
Astronomer Dennis Mammana joined us for dinner and then went off to set up his telescope away from the light of the fire. When the lunar eclipse started in the early hours of the morning, we dozed in a circle of camp chairs around the telescope and took turns snapping pictures through its lens.
The full moon lit the desert so completely that we didn't need flashlights when it first came up, but as the eclipse began, that light faded into a darkness blacker than any sky I've ever seen.
And then there were stars. Stars like I've never even imagined. Anzo Borrego has been named one of the best star-watching spots in the country, and now I know why. Dennis turned his telescope every few minutes to point out something new. Jupiter with four moons clearly visible. The Andromeda Galaxy. And my favorite... The Orion Nebula, where new stars are born. And of course, all the while, there was the moon...
This was my last eclipse photo...taken after a 4am hike through the sand with Joe and my son, looking for scorpions and sidewinders. We didn't find any but enjoyed the quiet and the stars all the same. At about 5:30 the need for a little sleep won out over my desire to see the rest of the moon appear.
When the sun came up, I took a walk away from the campsite a bit to check out the desert plants and see if I could find that elusive scorpion. Here's a shot looking back at our tents.
After a breakfast of toast, turkey bacon, and omelets with fresh vegetables, it was time to take down the tents. And guess who scuttled out from underneath our tent when we started folding it up...
My 11-year-old has wanted to see a scorpion ever since he read about desert animals when he was four or five, so this guy's appearance made his trip complete.
The kids were still itching to do some hiking, so the amazing Joe was kind enough to take us on a bonus trip to one of Anzo Borrego's incredible slot canyons.
The sandstone walls were just a couple feet apart in places, so this was like no other trail I've ever hiked. The temperature had crept up to 113 by the time we made it into the canyon, so we stopped often to find shade and drink water. It gave me a dramatic appreciation for how extreme the desert can be and a true respect for the wildlife and plants that survive in this climate.
As I type this, I'm back home at my desk, getting ready for the start of school in a couple days.
Fall comes early to the Champlain Valley. We woke up to a crisp 42-degrees today, so the desert dust and heat are miles and memories away.
But last night, when I realized I'd forgotten to get the mail, I stepped out into the dark. I looked up at the stars, fighting with our streetlights, and a part of me slipped away, back to my camp chair in Anzo-Borrego, home of the sky and the scorpions, and the stars.
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Joe is every bit as cool as he looks and is one of my family's new favorite people. He organized our trip, cooked our meals, set up our tents, and was an amazing tour guide for the stunning alien landscape he calls home. Our tour started with a drive in a refurbished military vehicle to a spectacular spot called Font's Point, overlooking the Anzo Borrego Badlands. Joe walked us partway up a hill, then said, "Look down at your feet now, and keep walking toward my voice. Don't look up until I tell you to." We trusted Joe by then, so we did this. When he told us to look up, we were at the edge of a cliff looking out at this view.
As the sun went down and the moon came up, we headed to our campsite, near an old homestead that's been swallowed up by sand dunes and tamarack trees. The tents were already set up, and Joe started cooking dinner. Joe, it turns out, is a better cook in the middle of the desert than I am in my own fully-equipped kitchen. Without running water or electricity or anything but an open fire, he whipped up grilled steak, herb-rubbed salmon, roasted corn on the cob, and a beautiful salad with greens and goat cheese. I like food a lot, so Joe was especially my hero then.
Astronomer Dennis Mammana joined us for dinner and then went off to set up his telescope away from the light of the fire. When the lunar eclipse started in the early hours of the morning, we dozed in a circle of camp chairs around the telescope and took turns snapping pictures through its lens.The full moon lit the desert so completely that we didn't need flashlights when it first came up, but as the eclipse began, that light faded into a darkness blacker than any sky I've ever seen.
And then there were stars. Stars like I've never even imagined. Anzo Borrego has been named one of the best star-watching spots in the country, and now I know why. Dennis turned his telescope every few minutes to point out something new. Jupiter with four moons clearly visible. The Andromeda Galaxy. And my favorite... The Orion Nebula, where new stars are born. And of course, all the while, there was the moon...
This was my last eclipse photo...taken after a 4am hike through the sand with Joe and my son, looking for scorpions and sidewinders. We didn't find any but enjoyed the quiet and the stars all the same. At about 5:30 the need for a little sleep won out over my desire to see the rest of the moon appear.
When the sun came up, I took a walk away from the campsite a bit to check out the desert plants and see if I could find that elusive scorpion. Here's a shot looking back at our tents.
After a breakfast of toast, turkey bacon, and omelets with fresh vegetables, it was time to take down the tents. And guess who scuttled out from underneath our tent when we started folding it up...
My 11-year-old has wanted to see a scorpion ever since he read about desert animals when he was four or five, so this guy's appearance made his trip complete.
The kids were still itching to do some hiking, so the amazing Joe was kind enough to take us on a bonus trip to one of Anzo Borrego's incredible slot canyons.
The sandstone walls were just a couple feet apart in places, so this was like no other trail I've ever hiked. The temperature had crept up to 113 by the time we made it into the canyon, so we stopped often to find shade and drink water. It gave me a dramatic appreciation for how extreme the desert can be and a true respect for the wildlife and plants that survive in this climate.
As I type this, I'm back home at my desk, getting ready for the start of school in a couple days.
Fall comes early to the Champlain Valley. We woke up to a crisp 42-degrees today, so the desert dust and heat are miles and memories away.
But last night, when I realized I'd forgotten to get the mail, I stepped out into the dark. I looked up at the stars, fighting with our streetlights, and a part of me slipped away, back to my camp chair in Anzo-Borrego, home of the sky and the scorpions, and the stars.
Its not just the adversity that counts, its the preparation the character makes to confront the adversity that helps build suspense and gets the reader to participate.
Then its the reflection that comes after the adversity that builds the bridge to the character's emotional state.
Adversity doesn't have to come every scene. The ones that come before and after are just as important.
The biggest adversity I face?
Waking up everyday.
Giving up trying to fit in and starting to find places I fit, instead!
Probably a major thread of the YA I'm working on. :)
The death of my father and two dogs.
Another great plot tip, Martha--to go beyond the standard "villain" in creating conflict and delve into all types of conflicts between the character and their environment. Sure heightens the tension (and potential loss...which is why we read!)
In my life - having to start over. My ms(s) all have that theme now that I think about it. The characters have lost the definition of their lives and now have to find themselves when the circumstances are challenging.
As I was finishing up my mainstream rough draft, I received THE CALL!!! And it was for something different than where I was heading, but something I am passionate about. Am waiting for another phone call. Amazing!!!
Hugs, JJ
Any successful novel or short story must have an element of adversity, it's what makes it work.
There may be a theme to the overall plot such as moving into a haunted house - which in itself is an adversity. However, what if the new owner of the house is a recovering drug or alcohol addict with enough ghosts of his/her own to deal with never mind the ghosts he/she is now co-habiting with.
Every story must contain an element of adversity. But your characters must also face adversity, it's what makes them human.
Thank you for commenting, all you wonderful people.
Anonymous, what you write is key and something I'm exploring myself right now. Thanks for you insights.
Poetry and prose, I feel for you.
Becky, what a perfect goal -- finding places you fit. Let me just tell you that you'll always fit with me!!!
Wonderful YA thread to explore.......
Anonymous, I feel for you.
Thanks, Beth. Yes, a standard villain, can be just that -- standard / thus -- cliche????
And, what, JJ, was the CALL??? I am so excited for you. Nice when we explore that which is difficult only to find a "payoff" for the hard work done.
Jon, I love your ghost house with a character haunted by their own ghosts!!
So fun to hear from everyone. Thanks for taking the time. And, it's not just me thanking you, it's all the other writers who may not themselves comment, but learn and grow from those of you willing to go out on a limb and comment.......
When I read the first line I was blown away. “Adversity does not build character, it reveals it” and I thought, Wow, that’s so true of everyday life, and then I read further in your post. You outline the development of character perfectly, and even though, as I’ve mentioned in the past, I’m not one for developing characters off the page, I must agree with your points in every way.
Even for writers like myself who develop characters “On the fly” to remember just that first line of your post is an important, and powerful thing- A fantastic post that’s leading to me going back further through your back catalog, Thanks = )
BT, I can't believe I came up with the intro quote myself. I must have heard it somewhere and it stuck -- mainly because it had a similar impact on me that it seems to have had on you.
Thanks for your kind words.
martha
My biggest adversity is overcoming my crippling belief that what I write doesn't matter, that no one will want to read it.
Martha, I have a prominent literary agent.:D WOOT! Should hear more news soon. It's hard waiting.
Hugs, JJ
My 39-year-old husband had a massive heart attack and nearly died. It taught both of us to live each day and make the most of it - it's all we have.
Carlene
www.themysterystartshere.com
visit my mystery blog!
Dear Martha,
Great question. The greatest adversity for my protagonist would be her own self-doubts. Antagonists appear, but, really, it's her not believing that she "can" or that she "deserves," which leads her to disaster. By the way, recently I watched both your Plot Planner and Scene Tracker (VHS!) over 2 days; both sessions helped me tremendously; gave me a fresh look at my project. Even though I have your book, and I've been fortunate to have gone to your workshops and received private consultations, and had sold my first novel because of your tutelage, the tapes were valuable because I could "pause" and work at my own pace. You are awesome; I wish I could put you on my shoulder whenever I sit down to write.
Martha, just stopping by to say hello and commend you on the wonderful stuff here. I'll definitely be back!
my loving family and friends are my greatest adversities when it comes to my writing. no one likes it when i'm writing. they'd rather i be with them
love this post. -remembering my prayers:
dear God,
please stop building.
amen.
(have added your blog to my rounds martha -great meeting you. love your book. will stay in touch)
love, ~sandra
Heart wrenching adversity -- our ability to discount our gifts, play small, believe in the darkness over the light.
JJ -- I hope you'll share your great news when it comes!! What a thrill........
Tragedy strikes. Out of the ashes comes the gift of every moment.
Thank you, Teresa, for your generous words. The universal struggle to count.
Anonymous, your loving family friends are giving you the opportunity to practice standing up for yourself and protecting your writing time......
Thanks to the rest of you for your kind words........
Happy plotting.........