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| Sweatin' to the Work Week |
Lancelot, knight errant & confidant of king & queen, responded based on the chivalric code & his 'job'. Although, different writers interpret him differently from Mallory, the basis is his profession. The fool in Christopher Moore's retelling of King Lear is defined by his occupation - everything he does or doesn't do is an extension of that. Atticus, the lawyer, in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' acts from a core of lawyerly intent; his sense of fairness, right & wrong extends from this core.
From high fantasy to women's literature, the MCs profession provides clues to a deeper sense of character. Fairy duster to pencil pusher, all come with a set of characteristics; some that readers expect & some they don't.
What does the MC in your current WIP do for a living & how does that affect the story arc? The goals/motivations/conflicts? The outcome - from HEA to no HEA?
Happy Writing,
Patti
A lot of my characters are have a scientific background; I suppose that could mean that they try to figure things out through reason.
ReplyDeleteThat good old deductive, scientific method stuff is great. Love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Eagle.
Patti
She's a soldier, but she wants to be a doctor.
ReplyDeleteI think that a character's profession totally helps give clues to the way he may think or act. I wonder if it works in real life... well I guess my day job would make me notice things, attention to detail... I think readers would think I am far more technical than I am, though! Interesting post, thanks!
ReplyDeleteMy mc is fifteen; his occupation is being a teenager. You can imagine what type of judgment he shows.
ReplyDeleteAl,
ReplyDeleteGood luck on those 2 fronts. But, I find it interesting how both careers have corresponding characteristics; strength, fortitude, etc.
Jayne,
Thanks for the comments. And, perception is one half of the witch's brew. So I think you're okay on that front.
Shellie,
Oh yeah, I know those characteristics. Smartcasticness, oblivity, self-cesuredness, rudeness to all others except peer group, inability to make decisions except by seat of pants & peer approval. That has its own fun!!!
Thanks to all of you.
Patti
LURVEEEE Christopher Moore, and Fool is one of my most loved books!
ReplyDeleteChristine,
ReplyDeleteI am a huge Moore fan; You Suck: A Love Story, Lamb, and Fool. He is highlarious!!!
Patti