I think most readers agree that one thing that immediately forces them out of a story is when a character does something out of character. Occasionally authors need a plot device to forward the resolution of the story and some poor character will have to do something totally contrived.
“Why,” wonders the reader, “would Kathy go into the clearing alone when she knows there’s a ravenous T-Rex there? She’s always been perfectly rational before…did she have a small stroke?”
Sometimes I can suspend my disbelief and just try to forge on and enjoy a book. But it’s gotten harder to do so. As a writer, I’m determined not to humiliate my characters by making them do something they wouldn’t ordinarily do.
But I still need a plot device. Usually, there comes a point in my story where I need my sleuth to confront the murderer. Naturally, this meeting never happens in the police station. Oh no, it’s got to happen in a scary, deserted location where my detective’s life is at stake.
But my sleuth is a smart woman. How to reasonably get her there? Was she expecting to have a partner present to ensure her safety during the confrontation? Did that partner end up in a car crash or unavoidably detained somehow?
I try to think like my character—what kind of excuses would they give for behaving like this? “I realized I’d seen something odd at the scene of the crime, so I went back to have another look. But the murderer went back too…to collect the evidence that pointed to him.”
I try to think of as many excuses as possible why a character would act out of their normal behavior pattern. Then I pick the most plausible reason, write it, and see if it works.
If none of the excuses seem plausible, it’s back to the drawing board. It’s worth some extra work to make sure I’m not losing a reader’s interest.
I’m thinking most fiction writers have the same problem. Why is the protagonist not using his magic powers to solve the problem? Why is the female protagonist making the same mistakes over and over again for no reason but to provide more plot conflict? I think it’s good to point out what the readers are already thinking and have the character answer their questions: (“Wish my magic powers could be used to stop time, but….” or “I know it seems like I keep making the same mistakes, but…”)
This is why I’d never be good at writing fiction. It’s hard for me to imagine why someone would act a certain way — I just like to explain, ok, this is why! Because it actually happened! Kudos to you for having an imagination to make it work.
I really enjoyed this post, Elizabeth. How many times in a book or movie have we said, or thought, “Don’t go down there. Why are you doing that?” Since one of my protagonists often makes reckless decisions, she needs to think she has a darned good reason for her actions, and they need to be believable to the reader.
You bring up some excellent points.
I’m with you, I hate it when a character does something so stupid (or uncharacteristic) in order to advance the plot (for the convenience of the writer). I agree with NA Sharpe–I’m glad you make the effort to think things through.
I mean, how many characters in the same book can really have a small stroke?
It is frustrating as a reader to suddenly find a character doing something that, to you, is stupid. But, as you say, it’s sometimes difficult to make things happen. If you’re forcing it, then it’s time to go back to the drawing board.
Helen
Straight From Hel
Great post! You are absolutely right. I have read several books that did that and as a reader it takes you out of the story to figure out why the character is doing something so uncharacteristic and you ose the tension and the reader’s attention. Suddenly the book you have been enjoying took a wrong turn and ended up being one of those cheesy “B” movie scenarios. Aargh! Disappointing. I’m glad you take the time to figure out plausible ways to get from A to B. That is what makes a good author and a good story.
Nancy, from Just a Thought…
That’s why I am a big believer in the four basic personalities. (From the book “Personality Plus”) It gives me a starting point with each character. A reclusive, phlegmatic middle-child is not likely to set a goal of world dominiation!
L. Diane Wolfe
http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com
http://www.spunkonastick.net
http://www.thecircleoffriends.net
You are so right. If you stop while your reading to think what on earth did a character do that, the writer has missed the mark. I think Stephen King seems to be a master at making characters do stupid things in a most believable way.
JaneKennedySutton
SO on the money! And we were just talking tonight about how some things that happen in real life would NEVER be believable in a book.
And I think you have a great point–one answer is to face the problem. Address it. If someone thinks–I’m a idiot for going into the clearing with the T-Rex, but my wedding ring is there. And I just can’t lose it..
That’s goal motivation and conflict–and somehow less idiotic.
I agree. It is always worth taking that extra time to try to get it right.