This week: Locks Edited by: Robert Waltz  
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We spend our time searching for security and hate it when we get it.
-John Steinbeck
Only the insecure strive for security.
-Wayne Dyer |
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One of the our jobs as writers is to present obstacles or challenges for our characters to overcome.
A staple among these roadblocks is the ubiquitous lock. For our purposes, we can also consider computer passwords or firewalls to be equivalent to locks, as they are designed for security as well.
Locks, in our world and presumably others, can serve two purposes: keeping something secure from intruders, and keeping someone imprisoned.
The problem with locks is this: nothing can keep out (or keep in) a determined individual. Despite several layers of security, people still occasionally escape from incarceration. And no matter how intricate the lock, eventually someone will find a way to bypass it.
So why do we bother with locks? Well, because a lock is generally better than no lock. From a writer's perspective, there are at least two things going on with a lock: First, it indicates to the reader (and presumably to the characters) that whatever's on the other side of the lock is worth obtaining; and, second, it gives an opportunity for characters to demonstrate their cleverness.
But there's a problem with locks in a narrative: sometimes you get a character who is so skilled at bypassing them - or hacking a computer - that it no longer presents much of a challenge. Picking a lock, or hacking a computer, can become the functional equivalent of magic - the method isn't often described, while the lockpicker (or hacker) can sit smug with his or her demonstrated competence. Then where's the character development?
The thing is, though, bypassing a lock generally takes time or, in the case of brute-force methods reminiscent of the Gordian Knot problem, can create noise which can alert individuals nearby. Therein lies a good use of the lock in narrative: can our heroes (or villains) get past the lock in time, and without alerting other individuals that will try to thwart their plans? If not, how do they deal with these further complications?
Thus, a lock can be seen as a metaphor for any type of obstacle or challenge in a narrative. Given the time factor, it can create tension, in much the same way as the overused "defuse the time bomb" trope, albeit often with lower stakes. And there's the element of suspense, as the reader may wonder if they might get caught before they achieve their objective.
Just keep it believable, even if it is fantasy. If you're writing historical fiction, know something of the development of locks in history. And if you're writing science fiction, perhaps assume that the technological advancements include improvements to security. |
Some fantasy for your perusal:
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Last time, in "Greetings and Partings" , I talked about hello and goodbye.
Quick-Quill  : Greeting. "My name is Ingio Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." I hope I get this right. Tell them who you are, You state your connection and then give them an expectation. I'd say that's as good a greeting as any. Now come up with one for your characters in your story.
That is a concise exposition of character, motivation, and goal. Few writers have exceeded its simple perfection.
That's all for me for January! See you next month. Until then,
DREAM ON!!!
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Fantasy: January 16, 2019 Issue [#9327]
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