 Drama: June 16, 2021 Issue [#10745] |
This week: Relationships Edited by: Lilli  
More Newsletters By This Editor 
 
1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions
| Character relationships are, in many ways, the glue that holds a story together. Rarely can a character sustain a story on their own; they need others: friends, family, mentors, lovers, enemies, strangers, pets, ...something/someone. |
| ASIN: 0910355479 |
|
Amazon's Price: $ 13.99
|
|
Your character’s relationships will seem more realistic to your readers if they mimic real-life. The pattern of one’s actions often has a greater effect on relationships than the intent behind each individual action. To help you in building relationships and issues between characters, draw on your own life experiences, give your characters unique traits, etc.
For example:
Let’s say Zach and Louis are out at a bar. They met at school, both are members of the college tennis team and quickly became best friends. It’s the night before a huge tournament, and Zach starts drinking more than he should. Louis tells him to stop or he’ll be hungover for his matches. Sounds reasonable, right? But Zach gets angry and tells him to stop smothering him, which leads to an argument.
Here’s why...
Louis was trying to look out for his friend but the problem is that he frequently criticizes Zach’s choices and behaviors; from the way he studies, eats, practices tennis, etc. The pattern of criticism has repeatedly made Zach feel incompetent, lazy, and childish; stoking his frustration and making him feel increasingly sensitive to any criticism he receives from Louis.
The result is that Zach finally blew up. Louis meant well but well, but the pattern of his actions has had a damaging effect on their friendship. Does this mean that Louis should have just let Zach keep drinking? No, not necessarily. But, even a good action can become a landmine if it fits into a damaging pattern.
The two people I mentioned above have a history together and therefore developed patterns in the way they interact. Keep this in mind when writing characters into your stories. It will help set them up as realistic and believable characters.
While you are building the layers of your character relationships, remember that these little details need to play a part in the overall story. Just like with dialogue, it should move the story forward while keeping the reader engaged.
|
| |  | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2172282 by Not Available. |
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2232320 by Not Available. |
|
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
Don't forget to support our sponsor!
| ASIN: B01MQP5740 |
Product Type: Kindle Store
|
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99
|
|
Comments from "Drama Newsletter (May 19, 2021)" , "Writer's Block"
From Elfycia Lee ☮  :
"How did you know? I'm hiding in this little wormhole where my muse and thoughts cannot catch me. I'm making them all go away! Freewriting or brainstorming is powerful. I admit it. Still hiding..."
From Bikerider  :
I enjoyed reading your May 19th newsletter. What writer hasn't experienced writer's block? A few years ago I took an informal writing critique class and one of the subjects was writer's block. The instructor believed that if you are experiencing writer's block just sit at your computer, or writing tablet, and write the first sentence of an idea, any idea, and the rest of the story will evolve. I've used that technique before and found it successful more often than not. |
| ASIN: B07YJZZGW4 |
|
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
Not currently available. |
|
To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.
|
This printed copy is for your personal use only. Reproduction
of this work in any other form is not allowed and does violate its copyright. |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
