My husband and I had a rare night with no kids last weekend…our son was camping and our daughter was spending the night with a friend. We didn’t exactly know what to do with ourselves with no kids, so we decided to go to the movies and see Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.
The 7:00 movie was full, so we bought tickets online for the 9:40 show. It was in 3-D (and it was a Saturday night), so we wanted to go early and get a good seat.
I encouraged my husband to take a book with him so he could read while he waited and I’d take a notebook.
“We’ll look like geeks,” he said.
I completely acknowledged that fact. But then, I’ve always been a nerd.
We arrived at the theater and found some seats. My husband said, “We’re the oldest people here.”
I said, “No way!” Then I looked around and saw that, yes, we were—by FAR—the oldest people there.
I owned the fact that I was a geek. Being the oldest person in a room? That hadn’t happened very often to me. I was so sensitive to it that when my husband asked (about 5 or 6 times during the movie), “What did she/he say?” and I was hollering in his ear, “She said…” I thought about our age. And the fact that my husband had gone to way too many hearing-damaging live concerts as a teenager.
In my books, my characters are really not on a journey of self-awareness or realization. They do make discoveries about themselves and other characters, but the discoveries are not integral to the main plot—finding out the murderer is.
But I read many books where the protagonist is making self-discoveries that affect the course of his or her life. In fact, the internal conflict these characters face is frequently the major source of conflict in the book.
How does the character react to these self-realizations? And how are we, as readers, kept in the loop as they’re happening?
As a reader, I’ve noticed this self-discovery being revealed through:
Internal monologue—Maybe this is most noticeable in first person POV, but works fine in 3rd, too. I’ll admit to only being patient with internal monologue just so far. If it stretches over too many paragraphs, I usually lose interest until it’s really written well.
The character’s actions—Here the character’s shift in perspective is revealed through his actions and demonstrate his self-discovery. The protagonist finally stands up to his father. The protagonist quits the uninspiring day job. The character joins AA or attacks his problems head-on, or retreats from his problems altogether.
Sidekicks (reacting through dialogue)—Sidekicks can be useful for filling our reader in (in a natural way) on our character’s thoughts and feelings. If our protagonist has a close friend that they confide in, then we can relate our character’s progress of self-discovery to the reader, in the protagonist’s own words, through dialogue.
Do your stories concentrate on a character’s self-discovery? How do you reveal it to the readers?
Elizabeth – It’s nice to know I’m not the only geek : ). As far as self-discovery goes, I have to admit, my books don’t really focus on self-discovery. Like you, I focus on the murder mystery that’s at the core of the story. Some of my characters do make discoveries about themselves, though. One of the things I find interesting is when a character realizes s/he is really capable of murder. Most of us don’t think we are.
I do a lot of character self-discovery. I suppose because, to me, the greatest puzzle are the characters themselves, and since they are questing after truth, they … find it.
I suppose my characters discover things about themselves mainly because of two things. First, they are LOOKING to solve something in their own lives (though not all characters are looking equally), and they figure things out in observing other characters – identifying their problems and strengths, etc.
For instance, in my WIP, my Man Of Action, George has no idea what “normal” is, but has external personal reasons for needing to achieve it. In the course of the case, he tails Karla, who is far from normal, but who is the happiest person alive. (At least she’s happy when there aren’t badguys around doing evil.) His quest for “normal” drives a lot of conscious self-discovery, both in dialog and in thought.
Of course, even more fun is when the audience can be a step or two ahead of the character in the epiphany.
Self-discovery is a major theme in my stories, along with the mystery. I’ve limited the internal monologues to very brief comments or questions to self. Example, Not this time, Can I keep doing this? kind of things. I do have them reacting differently as they grow. Hopefully it works :)
I often use internal dialogue to help explain my character’s motives in short stories. Although showing, not telling, is better sometimes there just isn’t enough space when trying to tell a complete story with as few words as possible.
On the old geek front, not only am I starting to feel old (always been a geek and I own my geekiness) I feel short. Do you have any idea what it feels like to look some of your daughter’s 5th grade classmates in the eye? My hubby was laughing yesterday because he noticed that our 9-year old son is almost as tall as I am!
First of all, JEALOUS!! I am waiting for the day of dual sleepaways…
Secondly, I love reading books where the protagonist becomes self-aware. I have only read one of your books, but it seems your main character, Myrtle, is in a place in here life where she already IS self-aware, and maybe that’s why you don’t think you writer big self-actualization scenes.
Thirdly, good for you for sticking it out through the movie anyway! So what for being the oldest and the nerdiest with your book and notepad? We are who we are, and you are aware of it!
Lastly, I think I write very self-aware characters. My MC is on a self-actualization journey. I have written on these blogs many times that he has a secret to keep, so his journey is a strange one. Great post today for me. Thanks!
So what did you think of the movie?
Michele
SouthernCityMysteries
Great post! What I want to know is, what did you think of the movie?!!
My latest work is mainly about a teenage romance and how the couple deals with powers they have that are in direct conflict with each other. They both end up having to dig down deep to determine what’s most important to them.
Most of my books are about the mc evolving from Point A to Point B and encountering a bit of self-discovery along the way. Kind of like “real” life. ;-)
And this getting older stuff? It bites.
Gosh, Elizabeth, if you and your hubby were the oldest ones in the theater at your age, I just might not go see that flick at all. I’d be ancient!
Karen
I take my e-reader to the movies on the rare occasions we actually go to the theater. It’ backlit, and I can read all the way through the commercials, previews and other garbage we’re subjected to before we get to see the film we paid for.
Since I’ve written mostly romantic suspense, my characters reveal themselves in the way they interact with each other first, and probably interior monologue second.
My non-mystery novels are definitely about self-discovery. I do probably too much of internal dialogue but I’m learning! I like the sidekicks notion – I think I do that a fair bit too. I like dialogue – comes from being a playwright first. In my mysteries there is some self-discovery too – my detective has to struggle with her own feelings of not being worthy and so on – she does it through action for the most part. I don’t want to read about a character who doesn’t change and I guess my readers don’t either. Of course, when you’re planning on keeping your protagonist around for awhile then you need to have them change slowly!
You hit the main theme of my series on the head! Yes, it’s all about self-discovery.
I rarely use internal dialogue past one short line. I show changes in behavoir and through dialogue with other characters.
Good on you for bravely stepping out with all those young people in the theatre! The only time I ever really noticed a movie crowd was years ago when we went to see “Dungeons & Dragons.” I had to laugh, because one look at the audience confirmed we were all D&D type geeks.
I use all those ways. And I’m impatient with long internal dialogue passages, too. Mine are a sentence or two at most. Hope you both survived being the oldest audience members.
Most of my short stories deal with self discovery as a character grapples with some major crisis or event in his or her life. I reveal that through internal monologue as well as with conversations with other characters.
I think a lot of characters make some kind of self-discovery, even if it’s something small, like realizing they can stand on their own two feet.
The image of you yelling into your husband’s ear at the movies was sooo funny!
Helen
Straight From Hel
I like to use a combination (internal monologue, character’s actions, and sidekicks), but I also like to use memories.
I found a great article online once that talked about introducing a character’s memories in short clips rather than detailed word for word sections. The article stated that memories are generally triggered by sensory stimulation and the actual memory only lasts for a few seconds.
This technique has prevented the need to go into long “belly-button gazing” monologues, but still give a telling glimpse into my characters.
Teresa
There were a lot of adults at my showing of Alice – but then, I went to an earlier show.
Too much internal dialogue annoys me, too.
Things you point out in your posts really make me think, because so much of what I do while editing AND during recreational reading, I do automatically without actually realizing it. I catch a change in POV because I notice a change in the flow. Other things just stand out because I see/recognize them as not being right.
It’s comforting to be in the company of a fellow geek! I’ve always felt a little displaced; you realize this is because we do not feel or act or age!
As I typed that I realized that when I was younger I acted older than my age, and now that I’m older I act younger than my age! Uh-oh. A true sign of my age is that what I just said there has wrapped itself around my brain and now I’m confused.
?????????
I love your stories about geekdom–I’m a geek too, but my husband can’t really face it. He’s always been rather ‘cool’ and hasn’t come to terms with the fact that I don’t even ASPIRE to that.
As much as I LOVE character growth, I am with you that the ‘in the head’ part needs to be quick–I like some interaction that then sparks a one sentence revelation–at least that’s what I shoot for. I like a long drawn out lesson though… I want the reader to feel the impact of the lesson, too.
I went to a movie once where when the lights were turned off all you could see were rows and rows of white hair. It made me feel young!)
My stories do concentrate on self-discovery and I use all three methods you mentioned. However, the sidekick in my second book happens to be a cat instead of a human.
Margot–I hadn’t thought of it that way! Very true–the killer is coming to terms with what they’re capable of…because our killers have never murdered before.
The Daring Novelist–VERY interesting! That’s a unique WIP you have there…and you deal with self-discovery every day with that plot, I’m sure. And I think it’s nice to have the reader get a little ahead of the characters, as far as making discoveries goes.
Jan–Dialogue must come really naturally to you, with your background. And you’re right–the characters don’t need to remain static at all or readers get bored. I can’t do too MUCH of it, or I’m off track in a cozy.
Diane–I’d imagine that YA would be heavy on dialogue (cozies are, too), which would make slipping in self-discovery in conversation really easy.
I kind of felt like I was in “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” and was the only one like me left in the world. :) The teens all looked at me like I was a tattletale, too.
Jemi–That’s a very cool way of doing it…neat device.
Helen–I was really bellowing! I think I might buy him one of those old-fashioned ear horns. And he’s only 41…
Teresa–I’ve never thought of it that way! But you’re so right…when I go for a walk down memory lane, it’s just for a few seconds at a time–unless I’m verbally telling a story to someone else.
Alex–I must have been at the wrong show time! :) Or been there for tens-go-half-price night….
Janel–The kids are getting taller! I’m 5 10ish, and used to be really TALL…not so much anymore!
With a short story, I think you’d almost *have* to use internal monologue.
Michele–It took me a LONG time to get to this point! But now that I’m here…it’s really fun! Except my husband and I have now gotten to the point that we don’t even know what to do when there are no kids around!
And, I think you’re right–Myrtle knows completely and un-apologetically who she is. :)
I recommend the movie–but you have to be in the mood for sort of nightmarish/dreamy craziness. Depp did a good job.
Debra–I liked the movie a lot, actually, but I was surprised–somehow I thought it was either an exact retelling of “Alice in Wonderland” or “Through the Looking Glass.” It was bizarre and beautiful and nonsensical, but had a neat thread that tied together the time in Wonderland with her “real life” world.
Writing about teenagers would be all ABOUT self-discovery!
Crystal–I know just what you mean! I acted very grown up when I was younger and now sometimes I’m sillier than I was then!
I think I’m more analytical now with my writing because I’m trying to grow it–fast! Anything that I see that works, I’ll probably try it in my content (as long as it’s genre-appropriate.)
Karen–You wouldn’t have believed it! 90% of them were teenagers and the other 10% were definitely at least 10 years younger than we were. We felt ancient.
Terry–I’m so glad I’m not the only one! I did have a kid ask me if I were writing an article on the movie. He was disappointed when I said no. :)
I’m definitely more patient with internal monologue in the romance genre…I think I expect it more there.
Hart–I don’t think my hubby was ever THAT cool, but he was a lot cooler than me when we were in college!
I like your idea of the one-sentence revelation….sort of a lightning bolt.
Jane–I think these kids must have all been 15–22. I was totally shocked! White hair would have been nice to see. :)
And cats are VERY popular sidekicks! Good idea there.
Carol–It’s like reading Hamlet’s soliloquy or something! I don’t know, I just can’t take much of it.
We *barely* survived being the oldest. :) Don’t think I’m going out on Friday nights anytime soon.
Maryann–I think that combination would work really well.
I love it when my characters discover themselves and sometimes it’s not always so obvious, even for me the writer. I use the various techniques you mentioned but I think we need to always remember that what our characters go through in a novel will change them.
ann
I wasn’t very adept writing inner monologue for my characters until Marvin Wilson re-edited my book. He strategically placed inner monologue for a couple characters making connections and figuring things out.
This is definately an art thatneeds practice to be mastered. I’m still working at it. Thank God for editors.
tephen Tremp
Ann–It’s true. Otherwise, the novel must not have been very riveting. :)
Stephen–Sounds like it really helps having Marvin on your team! Glad it worked out.
This is a great post about self-discovery. I use this in both my fiction and non-fiction. It’s a quest to find out who you really are, what you really want, and how you want to live your life.
I’m curious to see “Alice,” but don’t think any of my sons will go with me. I suppose all the other “old folks” were home and in bed by the time the late show was on! I was thinking, how did they stay awake for the whole thing?
Mary–I had a hard time keeping awake, myself, although the movie was a good one. :)