The trickiest part of writing the Main Character of your story is that the character arc demands that we put the poor person through hell. (The PROBLEM or INCITING event is often life-changing,) BUT we need to write about everything so that the READER wants to cheer OR hate the main character. WITHOUT this strong emotion or RELATIONSHIP between READER and CHARACTER, the story falls flat.
But there are two ways to accomplish this OR making the Main Character RELATABLE so the READER can identify with the character in one way or another.
First, make your Main Character someone who is REAL. The READER finds commonalities, and they are stirred up by your prose. They are entertained or fascinated or sympathetic. Any of these emotions will tie your READER to your MC.
The MC is rarely mysterious. For your READER to care, they must know who the MC is.
We will discuss this further in future blogs – but for now, just know that your MC is a complex character. You will have to punish them (or make bad things happen) and do it with LOVE so your READER can relate and cheer or Boo.
I am finally a full-time author, who writes legal thrillers, how-to- books, short stories, flash fiction, a tiny bit of poetry, and Blog posts.
My published works include 'Guilty until Proven Innocent,' and 'Innocent for the Moment.' Both of these books are part of a trilogy called the Jill Adair Series. The third book will be available in late summer of 2020.
I'm currently coordinating a Collection of works created by Artists during the Pandemic. The title of the book is '2020 Artists on LockDown Collection,' and it will be available for sale on Amazon.com in early September 2020.
I'm also coordinating an Anthology of Short Stories called, '2020 Indie Authors Short Story Anthology.' This book will be available on Amazon.com on Black Friday, 2020 - just in time for holiday giving.
I am married to my wonderful hubby of over 36 years, and I have two grown children, named Heather and Gregory. I've been blessed with two beautiful grandbabies, Heather Rose and Logan Ernest.
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One thought on “The Process – The Role of the Main Character”
So, Patty,
You invited me to participate in your anthology with my story, Becoming. How does this work? I read your submission guidelines, but how do I pay the fee? Are you only interested in Becoming? Or can I submit other stories?
Looking forward to working with you,
John
So, Patty,
You invited me to participate in your anthology with my story, Becoming. How does this work? I read your submission guidelines, but how do I pay the fee? Are you only interested in Becoming? Or can I submit other stories?
Looking forward to working with you,
John
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