Thursday, August 12, 2010

If A Character's Core Value Changes, What Will Happen? by DL Larson

An article I read the other day talked of core values and how these values are developed as we grow. Usually by adulthood we tend to think our values are pretty well set ~ most of us have a core center of wanting to do good, not bad. Most of my characters have similar traits, yet I try to write them into situations where their values are challenged.

In my current WIP, my werewolf is under duress and pretty much out of it. He is blind, or so he thinks. As he heals he finally realizes the beings who he has befriended are soulless and a natural enemy he should destoy without thought or remorse. His purpose as a werewolf to destroy evil has blurred and he is left pondering his dilemma. He wonders if these beings can change their ways and turn toward good or was he simply not a big enough threat for them to worry about. He doesn't know what is right anymore.

P.C. Cast with her House of Night series has one of her evil characters facing a core value change as well. Stevie Rae saves a raven mocker from death. These beings were born for one thing - distruction. The raven mocker, Rephaim, has never known compassion, never experienced help from another. He is the first son of a powerful demon. His life's purpose is well defined; it does not include friendship of any kind. For the first time he has the opportunity to stray beyond the narrow path his father set before him. His core values have been irrevocably altered.

If and when a character's core values are challenged, as a writer you have created the best and most vulnerable aspect of your work. It's time to let your character move freely. Your simple plot ideas may only be the pinnacle of a deeper, more meaningful story.

I'd very much enjoy hearing about your characters and their core value changes.

Til next time ~

DL Larson

3 comments:

N. R. Williams said...

My heroine has always had her goals firmly set. This is not so much a core value issue as it is the challenge she faces when she is unable to fulfill her life's ambition. At the same time she is faced with a place and time where her music is stronger, the elusive something that had been missing is found. Should she stay, or return to fulfill her personal goals? Wouldn't remaining be a richer fulfillment? Plus there's this guy.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

Morgan Mandel said...

My heroes or heroines have basic core values that are set, but sometimes they discover they haven't lived up to them, so they have to adjust how they react.

Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com

Deb Larson said...

Surprising challenges sometimes change who we are or what we actually believe in. Sometimes the change is painful, but nearly always for the better.

Thanks for sharing Nancy and Morgan.

DL Larson