FICTION 112 [M] [1] [2] [3] [4] - Classroom A - Classroom BLesson 1Character ShapingReading Assignments:
Alternate Reading: The Art of Creative Writing, Pages 11 to 44 Writing Assignment: Good characters in fiction have a history. The man that succeeds in sailing across the world ocean in a boat made of garbage did not do this on a whim. Events in his childhood and even before his birth contributed to what he is today. One slight change in his or his parent's life could have altered the course of history. Egri used a man who murdered his wife as his example ( ... he wisely dedicated his book to his wife, Ilona). He developed the relationship of the murderer's parents before his birth, then showed how this relationship affected the child as he matured. He created a chain of events that led to the protagonist's crime. In a story, it's not necessary to give all this information from childhood onward, but it is helpful to know it and to share pieces of the puzzle with the reader. We can do this with short flashbacks, narrative description and, with craftful care, by sprinkling occasional hints in the dialogue. For this assignment, decide on a protagonist and an event caused by her actions. For example, Sue climbs the Empire State Building with her 9-month-old baby strapped to her back ... or maybe she gets the account that puts her company on the map. Sue may have become the one that saves a teenager from committing suicide, or from driving drunk and hurting someone. Whatever she does, show the chain of events that lead to her decision. The events should begin before your character is born. Don't let it get too complicated for this exercise. Start at POINT A and list the events leading to POINT X. Consider environmental conditions and choices the protagonist has made in the past. Look at the character's flaws and defects. Egri suggests that physical defects have propelled many to great achievements ... good or bad. You may write this assignment in list form, showing cause and effects, or in narrative form. There are no word limits, but around 500 words is a reasonable length. Have fun!
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