 Short Stories: January 22, 2013 Issue [#5459] |
  Short Stories
This week: Make Your Character Tick with Readers Edited by: THANKFUL SONALI back on Jan 4  
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| What people remember or forget about someone they haven't met before depends on where they're coming from and what's important to them. |
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Hi Readers!
I've been to a couple of get-togethers/workshops where one of the ice-breakers is 'interview and introduce'. The idea is to pair up with someone you don't know already, spend a couple of minutes finding out about their lives, and then introduce them to the rest of the group.
What I find intriguing is the bits of information that people remember or forget. While some participants remembered everything about their partner, others forgot key facts like the name of the place where the person worked, but remembered how many kilometres they travel to work each day and how long it takes them to get there! Still others remembered a bit of their work philosophy, or their hobby.
This got me thinking about fictional characters, and what readers are going to remember about them. From the presentations, it is clear that the receiver remembers information that is important to her or him (receiver). If the name of the workplace doesn't ring a bell with the recipient, but the idea of travelling two hours to get to work strikes a chord, that's what's going to stick in the memory. If the hobby is very similar to the receiver's, or so different that it becomes fascinating, that's what's going to be remembered.
What, then, do you tell the reader about your character? Obviously, you (the writer) know more about the character than you're going to reveal in your story. You have to reveal the facts that are pertinent to the plot.
But what I think is this - you'll probably reach out to more readers if you divulge a mix of facts (still sticking to the basic pertinence to the plot). Say something about work, something about the hobby, something about the character's personal philosophy, friendships, and relationships. The character is a well-rounded person, the reader is a well-rounded person, let both of them find points to connect with each other!
Here are some examples (and my brief interpretation, in parenthesis)
(Philosophy of the characters) From: THE BOOK OF LAUGHTER AND FORGETTING by Milan Kundera
The young people have formed a circle, and, to a simple will-known tune, are taking two steps in place, one step forward, raising first the left leg and then the right.
I think I understand them: they have the impression that that circle they are describing on the ground is a magical circle uniting them like a ring. And their chests swell with an intense feeling of innocence: they are united not by marching, like soldiers, but by dancing, like children. What they are trying to spit in the cops' faces is their innocence.
(Description of clothing and what happened to it) From: THE MURDER OF THE MAHARAJA by HRF Keating
With a shrug, the American reached forward, grasped the open bottle, lifted it - and released a well-concealed powerful spring, which sent the whole bottle shooting up towards him like a jack-in-the-box. A thick stream of dark, chocolaty, sticky liquid spurted all over the white starched shirt-front, the immaculate white tuxedo.
(Direct descriptions from another character's point of view) From: LOVE OF SEVEN DOLLS by Paul Gallico
The warmth of her relationship with the seven puppets seemed to grow by leaps and bounds and soon she was familiar with their characteristics, their strengths and weaknesses, the striving and ambitious little Carrot Top with the soaring imagination which always wished to brush aside earthbound obstacles, and yet was tied down by the responsibility for all the others and the running of the show; the pompous, long winded Dr Duclos, the prototype of every self-satisfied stuffed shirt who still in his bumbling way was kind; and the vain, foolish, self-centered Gigi, who, of all the dolls, was not.
But if Mouche had to select a favourite of them all, it would have been Mr Reynardo. He touched her most deeply because he was sly, wicked, not quite honest, knew it and wished and tried, but not too fervently, to be better.
He amused her, too. He baited and teased her and sometimes worked up little intrigues against her with the others, but when it came right down to it he also seemed to love her the most and feel the deepest need for her affection. Much of his yapping was bravado and the moment when Mouche felt almost unbearably touched and happy was when from time to time cracks appeared in his armour of cynicism and through them she caught glimpses of the small child within, wanting to be forgiven and loved.
(Character's reaction to a situation, through action and dialogue) From: LULLAY LULLA by Joan Aiken
Mrs. Dumbly looked up from her book and let out a shriek.
"Why - why - it's YOU!" she squawked. "Tod - Tod - come quickly - look, look, it's the same man, it's the very same one who put our darling into this dreadful, dreadful sleep from which nobody has been able to wake him! Oh, please, please, tell us how to get him out of it, didn't you see our advertisement, we are nearly going distracted with misery and worry!"
Thanks for listening!
Sonali |
| |  | Midwife (E)
Story written for The Writers Cramp based on a prompt of Lost Keys.
#1912053 by Selardore  |
| | Free Fall (13+)
Sometimes, you must fall to grow wings to truly fly.
#1901041 by Fyn |
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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
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My earlier Short Stories Newsletter was quite a while ago! "Short Stories Newsletter (December 16, 2009)"
Thanks to the folks who responded!
Adriana Noir
This was a lovely example of how to control the pace. I'd say you did quite well! 
Red Writing Hood <3 
Great article, Sonali!
Ladyoz
Excellent newsletter! I don't think I've seen anyone else deal with paragraphs in a newsletter - well done, and thank you! 
LJPC - the tortoise
Hi Sonali! The only thing I love more than commas are one line paragraphs to break up the story. Oh, I also find that fragmented sentences serve to reinforce an idea, too. That's right. Fragmented sentences. Your NL was terrific! Thanks so much!  Laura
lkokko
A time before computers? I remember those times as well. You bring out a point I hadn't really thought of before, reading advertising to learn how to say something in the shortest time possible. I'll bet becoming a teacher is much more rewarding.
Ẃeβ࿚ẂỉԎḈĥ 2025 
Good job, Sonali! Yes, I remember the days when there weren't computers available for every desk.  Now, it seems there's a computer for every lap! WW
Joy 
Congrats for your such-a-successful and first short-stories newsletter, Sonali.
I agree with you. Paragraphs, the way they are handled, do make a lasting impact on the readers. Btw, I respect teachers and nurses for being the cream of the crop.
Fyn
And an excellent one!! I too began life writing ad copy! And you were spot on in your editorial! Bravo!
Summer Day♥
Wow! I really enjoyed this. And yes, you have succeeded. I loved how you actually used what you were saying in paragraps and sentences. I was reading a newsletter and I actually want to read more. That's how you know you're doing something right. Keep writing (please!)
esprit
Wowee, Sonali, this was truly a fast moving, interesting read! You must have been a very good ad. copywriter, I know you're a good newsletter editor. Great letter!
Zeke 
I agree completely. Paragraph breaks are an excellent tool to provide emphasis when needed. They can also be distracting when used indiscriminately.
drifter46
Once upon a time in an office far, far, away, I would sit at a desk and write copy for an advertising firm. My name?
Walter Mitty.
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