 Fantasy: July 22, 2015 Issue [#7113] |
  Fantasy
This week: A Look at Group Dynamics Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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An Elf Fantasy Newsletter
This month I look at the idea of groups within fantasy/sci-fi story, dynamics, use of personalities and overall elements of having a main group of characters that the reader gets to follow. |
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It is not uncommon for fantasy and sci-fi writers to use a small group of characters for the readers to focus on, in particular with long series. A number of big name series come to mind when I think about groups of characters used within a story. Some that I can think of at the top of my head, though there are many others, include: Wheel of Time, Lord of the Rings, and Dragonlance. It's a little more noticeable in series because there is more room with different books but there are single novels as well that have a cast of main characters. Why bring it up? Well, there are some good features and some difficulties when writing about groups and since it's common in this genre, I decided to give a small overview.
Have you ever taken part in a group project or activity? In work, college or even the younger education years, it's not uncommon for people have to work together in order to do something. Whether it was high school or even small group communication class in college, I noticed one common factor from my own experiences. I almost always had to do most of the work. The groups always had some who tried, some who said they would but turned out not so much and at least one obvious slacker (varied on group size). Different characters in groups can be frustrating in practice but they have definite benefits in fiction because it helps create character depth and conflict. Something we appreciate more in our stories than in person assignments.
Writing a group in a story or series? Here are a few things to consider so that you can make use of both realistic experiences for the reader to appreciate and also ways to make them work for moving the story forward.
1. Personalities & Group Dynamics
The characters are going to be different in their personalities and how the interact, for the most part. There might be a story and reason for having very similar ones but that's a whole different story with other issues to handle. Let's just say the characters aren't the same. The dynamic of the group is going to be important if working the group factor into the story. Whether it's the rise to action, the battle or even the aftermath, the interactions will help show many different aspects.
2. Communication
Part of the dynamics and how the reader gets information about characters, group, story is through their communication. This is both verbal and non-verbal forms. Maybe some in the group don't quite like or trust one of the others in the group. Who they share certain bits of information with or how they act in different segments of the grouping also show something to the reader. It's in the dialogue but beyond that as well.
3. Connections/Relations
What connects the different characters together can help develop the story, characters and conflict. Are they a group of friends? Are any of them related? What if two of them develop a romantic interest to each other? Different factors that can come into play and end up with different results depending on the story. Even how different friends interact and view each other can show the reader something. One of the main things I remember from the first couple of books in Wheel of Time is how the three boys viewed each other and what they assumed the other could do even if the reader knew different from having been in the friend's point of view as well. They all seemed to think one of the others was better at talking to girls, which was amusing as the reader, but hey, they were teenage boys.
4. Role of Individual
Finally, each individual will have a role. One of them might be the comedic relief/joker of the small group. One might be more shy but strong. It all can vary though there are some noticeable similarities in groups if comparing some already published series. One character might have the hardest task while another is in the supportive friend role. But they should all have a reason to be involved in the story and group. At times an edit may find one of those group members doing a disappearing act because it turns out they weren't as needed as the writer first thought. Roles vary but are an important aspect in using groups within a story.
These are just a few things to consider when using a main group of characters in a story. There is always more than can be pondered but that would make for a really long newsletter. Having a group will have many pros and cons, so it's up to you to decide if your story is better with the group and their dynamics or not.
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Do you have a group in your story? What types of personalities and dynamics get used and does one do less of the work?
Last month I wrote about sight and sound elements to be used in story telling. One person sent in a response.
Comment by Elfin Dragon-finally published 
Sight and sound puts you right where your characters are. On the wind swept plans with the Mongols, or with the Huns crossing the mountains on Elephants. If described correctly you could be anywhere in the world, doing anything.
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