BUSINESS 138 [M] [1]
[2] [3] -
Classroom A -
Classroom B
Lesson 3: Strong Point Overcomes Fatal Flaw
In the previous lessons, we have found a story idea, given three
attributes to our protagonist; a need or want, a strong point, and a
fatal flaw. We've also created the story problem and shown how the fatal
flaw causes more problems for our hero/heroine.
Now we need to use our character's strong point to help her recognize
her fatal flaw.
In our example, Kittredge's "To Die in Winter," our housewife loves
nature. She feeds the birds and sits in her rocking chair watching them.
Okay, now the police accuse her of the murder. An officer goes outside
to look for evidence and frightens the birds away. Our heroine sees the
birds get frightened away even though the officer isn't a threat to
them. Now she thinks, oh my goodness, if they don't eat they'll die all
because they are afraid. A light bulb suddenly goes on in her head, my
fear will kill me, unless I overcome it.
Voila...her strong point, love of nature, overcomes her fatal flaw, fear
of authority. Now she can go into action; she can think and get herself
out of this jam.
We have our idea, created a main character suitable to the idea,
discovered our character's needs, determined the strong point and fatal
flaw. Our story problem has evolved and gotten our character in even
deeper. Things aren't going well.
Now it's time to create an event that grows from our character's strong
point and forces him or her to recognize the fatal flaw. Our final
lesson: strong point overcomes fatal flaw.
This isn't the end of your story, only a plotting system to keep you on
track, to move your story forward at racing speed. Now you can let the
character overcome the flaw, the story problem, and with a last enormous
effort, succeed or fail.
Keep in mind. This is not an outline of your story, just a system to
plot your plot.
Reading Assignment:
Character Motivation That Makes Sense
Writing Assignment: Describe the scene where your character discovers
his or her fatal flaw through his strong point.
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