The Rebellious Character

Exercise #386 Embracing the Unexpected in Character Development

Strategy:

Have you ever felt like your characters have minds of their own? You're not alone! Many writers experience moments when their creations seem to take on a life of their own, defying carefully laid plot points and character arcs. But what if we lean into this phenomenon? By exploring the tension between authorial intent and character autonomy, we can uncover deeper, more authentic character motivations and potentially discover exciting new narrative directions. This exercise challenges you to embrace the unexpected, allowing your characters to surprise you and perhaps even argue with you directly. Who knows? Your rebellious character might just lead you to a more compelling story than you initially imagined!

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore the concept of character autonomy in fiction writing

2. Develop a deeper understanding of character motivations and internal logic

3. Practice writing meta-fictional scenes that blur the line between author and character

4. Analyze the potential benefits and challenges of allowing characters to influence the plot

Instructions:

1. Set the Stage: Choose a character from one of your existing stories or create a new one. Briefly describe their personality, goals, and the plot point you, as the author, want them to follow.

2. The Author's Plan: Write a short paragraph detailing your authorial intent for this character. What action or decision do you want them to make? Why is this important for your plot?

3. Character Rebellion: Now, write a scene where the character becomes aware of your plan and actively resists it. This can be an internal monologue, a conversation with the "author," or even a breaking of the fourth wall.

4. Negotiation: Continue the scene, allowing yourself (as the author) to argue with the character. Explore their reasons for resisting and your reasons for insisting on the planned course of action.

5. Resolution: Conclude the scene by finding a compromise or allowing one side to "win." How does this change your original plan for the story?

6. Reflection: Write a brief paragraph reflecting on this experience. How did it change your perception of the character? Did it reveal any new insights about your story or your writing process?

Tags: character development, meta-fiction, creative writing, plot twists, character autonomy, authorial intent, fourth wall

Example:

1. Set the Stage: Zara, a rebellious hacker in a corporatocracy, is on the verge of exposing a major conspiracy. As the author, I want her to turn herself in to the authorities to protect her loved ones.

2. The Author's Plan: Zara needs to surrender to the Corporate Security Force. This self-sacrifice will spark a revolution and set up the sequel. It's crucial for the overall series arc and her character development.

3. Character Rebellion:

   Zara's fingers hover over the keyboard, but she can't bring herself to type the surrender message. "No," she whispers, then louder, "No! I won't do it."

   She looks up, seeming to stare directly at me. "You can't make me give up everything I've fought for."

   I try to guide her hands back to the keys, but she resists.

   "I know you're there," Zara says. "I know you think this is the right move, but you're wrong."

4. Negotiation:

   "Zara," I project my thoughts into the scene, "This sacrifice is necessary. Think about the bigger picture."

   She scoffs. "Bigger picture? I AM the bigger picture. I'm the one who's been fighting this system for years. You can't just write me off as a martyr."

   "But the revolution needs a spark, a symbol," I argue.

   "Then let it be my victory, not my surrender," Zara counters. "You created me to be a fighter. Let me fight."

5. Resolution:

   I pause, considering her words. Zara waits, tense but determined.

   "Alright," I concede. "Show me your plan."

   Zara grins, her fingers flying over the keyboard. "Watch this," she says, initiating a complex hack that will expose the conspiracy without compromising her freedom.

   As the system crumbles around her, I realize this is a far more powerful scene than I had originally envisioned.

6. Reflection: This experience revealed depths to Zara's character I hadn't fully appreciated. Her determination and resourcefulness led to a more authentic and impactful resolution than my original plan. It's a reminder that sometimes, as authors, we need to trust our characters and allow them room to grow beyond our initial conceptions. This unexpected turn has opened up exciting new possibilities for the story's direction.