Need Help On Reasoning

Tri-Injuring Prophet · Jun 29, 2007

The next part I have to write is an important one. I've had it planned in my head for ages, and I know the ins and outs - I just don't know how the character in question agrees to be there. There's two people involved; the main, and the main's partner (who is the character in question).

The two end up being blackmailed/pardoned if they do this thing for another man, who also has his own motives in sending them there, as he hates the character in question. This 'prosecutor' also has judicial authority, and armed guards.

So far, I've thought if the prosecutor gives him information on a man he's been looking for, vengeance would be a decent motive. However, the character is in his fifties, and the past happened when he was much younger. As a coping mechanism he ran away from it and shut those thoughts out, and goes into a fit of denial. So it doesn't ring true with me.

Force him to go there, and the IC reaction I see is him running away. But the man who hates him know this and would make sure that wouldn't happen. There's also the fact there's the main's POV to consider, and he's more level-headed.

I want him there, but I'm not sure how.

Any ideas?

Ab_Normal · Jun 29, 2007

Would the strength of the relationship between the MC and the character in question be sufficient to overcome the character's desire to run?

Tri-Injuring Prophet · Jun 29, 2007

Yes and no.

The character has some affection to the MC, but he's also using the MCs affection for him to make sure there's someone to look after him in old age. If there's a connection there, he doesn't speak about it much unless it's to keep the MC happy.

Now that you say it, THAT could be the reason he sticks around, as he scarpers later on...

dclary · Jun 29, 2007

Tri-Injuring Prophet said:
The next part I have to write is an important one. I've had it planned in my head for ages, and I know the ins and outs - I just don't know how the character in question agrees to be there. There's two people involved; the main, and the main's partner (who is the character in question).

The two end up being blackmailed/pardoned if they do this thing for another man, who also has his own motives in sending them there, as he hates the character in question. This 'prosecutor' also has judicial authority, and armed guards.

So far, I've thought if the prosecutor gives him information on a man he's been looking for, vengeance would be a decent motive. However, the character is in his fifties, and the past happened when he was much younger. As a coping mechanism he ran away from it and shut those thoughts out, and goes into a fit of denial. So it doesn't ring true with me.

Force him to go there, and the IC reaction I see is him running away. But the man who hates him know this and would make sure that wouldn't happen. There's also the fact there's the main's POV to consider, and he's more level-headed.

I want him there, but I'm not sure how.

Any ideas?

My ideas:

First, hopefully *every* part you have to write is an important part, and not just this one. If not, I recommend getting rid of the non-important ones.

Second... Why does the MC have to agree to it? Just have him get blackmailed. Railroaded. Framed. Doesn't matter. You've just added conflict, drama, and obstacles. Now, to get to his target, he's gotta get past these trumped-up charges. And maybe he's not going to be so nice to the guy who did this to him -- so that guy drops the information to lessen the beating he's about to get.

Dominic · Jun 29, 2007

Ditto on the last part. All the better to drag him kicking and screaming. Reveal him some more to the readers.

I read an article recently by Ann Crispin which said every lead character in her books would punch her in the mouth if they met her on the street. This is because of the predicaments that she puts them in. Why does your character deserve a break now?

Think of it this way, you get to add some tension to your plot this way.

Alternatively, you could have little green dudes show up and transport him to the situation while they control him with pasta and bath oil. Just a suggestion though...

Dominic

Tri-Injuring Prophet · Jun 30, 2007

First, hopefully *every* part you have to write is an important part, and not just this one. If not, I recommend getting rid of the non-important ones.

Yea, they are. I probably it sound wrong as it was confusing to put into words.

Second... Why does the MC have to agree to it? Just have him get blackmailed. Railroaded. Framed. Doesn't matter. You've just added conflict, drama, and obstacles. Now, to get to his target, he's gotta get past these trumped-up charges. And maybe he's not going to be so nice to the guy who did this to him -- so that guy drops the information to lessen the beating he's about to get.

That's perfect! Thanks for reminding me of it. ^^

Need Help On Reasoning

Tri-Injuring Prophet

Ab_Normal

Tri-Injuring Prophet

dclary

Unabashed Mercenary

Dominic

Tri-Injuring Prophet