Developing Characters Based On Book's Theme
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To me, that seems like it could lead to flat characters that are there only for the theme. That's not to say that it wouldn't work or be successful, it just seems more difficult to make a believable character that fits into an idea instead of letting the idea come from an already believable character.
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Generally, the theme comes FROM my characters, not the other way around.
But then, I'm a character-driven writer.
Susan G.
But then, I'm a character-driven writer.
Susan G.
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Yeah, my stories come from my characters, not the other way around.
Not sure if I've ever even thought about theme when writing.
Not sure if I've ever even thought about theme when writing.
I think it depends on what you come up with first. If you have a theme first, then your characters are probably going to naturally grow toward that theme, don't you think? If the characters come first, then the theme should develop from those characters. Does that make sense?
Every story has multiple elements: character, plot, setting, theme. And every writer starts with one of those and makes the others fit. Each case has its own set of pitfalls to beware of.
I agree with reenkam that starting with theme risks cardboard characters. But then starting with character risks poorly-defined theme. There's no one right way.
I think, whichever element you start with, you need to make sure to give an appropriate amount of attention to developing the others.
I agree with reenkam that starting with theme risks cardboard characters. But then starting with character risks poorly-defined theme. There's no one right way.
I think, whichever element you start with, you need to make sure to give an appropriate amount of attention to developing the others.
If you want your story to be character driven then this probably isn't the best well to do it. ; but if you want to go situation driven that may work.
As a whole though I think people react more strongly to character driven stories and people can relate more with characters than with situations.
As a whole though I think people react more strongly to character driven stories and people can relate more with characters than with situations.
If you're going for pure allegory, I suppose.
Otherwise, you're going to need full characters. One of the best parts of having both a definite theme and definite characters is when the characters fight tooth and nail to get out of the theme. Can't do that if they fit neatly inside.
Otherwise, you're going to need full characters. One of the best parts of having both a definite theme and definite characters is when the characters fight tooth and nail to get out of the theme. Can't do that if they fit neatly inside.
All of this anti-theme stuff makes the assumption that flat characters are somehow bad.
They are a useful device, and many heavyweights use flat characters very well.
But even then, I'm hard put to think of a reason why using theme as a starting point for a character would lead you to a flat character. A character is a character, and you either flesh it out or not. Doesn't matter what process you use to get the ball rolling.
Give it a try if you want, it won't kill you.
They are a useful device, and many heavyweights use flat characters very well.
But even then, I'm hard put to think of a reason why using theme as a starting point for a character would lead you to a flat character. A character is a character, and you either flesh it out or not. Doesn't matter what process you use to get the ball rolling.
Give it a try if you want, it won't kill you.
I'm of the opinion that your characters are more likely to be flat if you DON'T base them on some deeper human thread.
Theme is what makes character-driven work actually hold the reader's interest. Granted, theme should be subtle, if not invisible, or you'll prevent the reader from making the story his own. But if it's not there, why should he care?
No character is interesting enough to hold a story together, unless that character is involved in some kind of conflict that is rooted in complex human behavior. And the theory behind that behavior is theme.
You CAN get theme from character, or character from theme, or theme and character from setting. But whatever way you approach it, a well constructed theme is never a bad idea.
Theme is what makes character-driven work actually hold the reader's interest. Granted, theme should be subtle, if not invisible, or you'll prevent the reader from making the story his own. But if it's not there, why should he care?
No character is interesting enough to hold a story together, unless that character is involved in some kind of conflict that is rooted in complex human behavior. And the theory behind that behavior is theme.
You CAN get theme from character, or character from theme, or theme and character from setting. But whatever way you approach it, a well constructed theme is never a bad idea.
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I'm not anti-theme. I just think that if you take care of the characters and the situations and the plot that the theme can be taken care of by someone who's got nothing better to do with their time but sit around and analyze my stories.
Wouldn't coming up with the theme first make you predisposed to reach out for stereotypes?
I think, and this is my opinion mind you, that it's better to come up with characters that will then enlighten you on the theme.
Wouldn't that be a character driven story?
Instead of a "situation-after-situation" kind of story? Where the characters would just be hollow vessels for you to make your point about the theme?
I would advise to get the characers first. Then the rest is surprise as you go along.
That's the way that is most fun, in my opinion.
I think, and this is my opinion mind you, that it's better to come up with characters that will then enlighten you on the theme.
Wouldn't that be a character driven story?
Instead of a "situation-after-situation" kind of story? Where the characters would just be hollow vessels for you to make your point about the theme?
I would advise to get the characers first. Then the rest is surprise as you go along.
That's the way that is most fun, in my opinion.
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What are your character's deepest desires? Develop them from that. Have faith for the time being that your characters will weave themselves into your theme, and if when you're finished they haven't, then perhaps you'll find you have a new theme you like even better.
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