Elements of Fiction Writing

What's Characters & Viewpoint about?

• Focus on Fiction Writing: Characters & Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card is a comprehensive guide for writers on creating compelling characters and selecting the right narrative perspective.
• Three Main Parts: The book is structured into three parts: Inventing Characters, Constructing Characters, and Performing Characters, each addressing different facets of character development.
• Tools for Writers: Card offers various tools and techniques to help writers understand character motivations, relationships, and how to effectively convey their stories.

Why should I read Characters & Viewpoint?

• Enhance Writing Skills: This book is essential for writers aiming to improve their character development and narrative techniques, making their stories more engaging.
• Practical Advice: Card provides practical advice and insights based on his extensive experience, applicable for both beginners and seasoned authors.
• Understanding Human Nature: The book delves into the psychology of characters, helping writers create believable and relatable figures that resonate with readers.

What are the key takeaways of Characters & Viewpoint?

• Characterization Techniques: Emphasizes understanding a character's actions, motives, past, and relationships to create depth and authenticity.
• Point of View Matters: Discusses how the choice of narrative perspective can significantly impact the reader's connection to the characters and the story.
• Emotional Stakes: Highlights methods to raise emotional stakes, such as suffering, sacrifice, and jeopardy, to engage readers more deeply.

What is the "MICE" Quotient in Characters & Viewpoint?

• Definition of MICE: The "MICE" Quotient stands for Milieu, Idea, Character, and Event, which are the four factors that determine the type of story being told.
• Story Structure: Each factor influences how characters should be developed; for example, a milieu story may require less character depth than a character-driven narrative.
• Balancing Factors: Understanding the MICE Quotient helps writers balance these elements effectively, ensuring that the story aligns with the intended focus.

How does Orson Scott Card define a character?

• Character Actions: Card states, "A character is what he does," emphasizing that a character's actions are the most direct way to understand them.
• Motive and Past: He notes that a character's motives and past experiences shape their actions, providing deeper insight into their personality.
• Complexity of Characters: Encourages writers to create multifaceted characters, avoiding stereotypes and clichés to make them more relatable.

What makes a good fictional character according to Card?

• Reader Engagement: Card identifies three questions readers ask: "So what?" "Oh yeah?" and "Huh?" A good character should engage the reader and answer these questions effectively.
• Character Interrogation: Writers should interrogate their characters, asking why they act a certain way and what motivates them, to create depth.
• Transformation: A compelling character often undergoes some form of transformation or growth throughout the story, making their journey more impactful.

What are some techniques for raising emotional stakes in a story?

• Suffering and Sacrifice: Characters who endure pain or make sacrifices become more memorable and relatable to readers.
• Jeopardy and Tension: Introducing jeopardy, where characters face potential loss or danger, increases reader investment in the outcome of the story.
• Emotional Connections: Creating strong emotional connections between characters and their struggles enhances reader engagement and empathy.

How does Card suggest using stereotypes in character creation?

• Stereotypes as Tools: Stereotypes can be useful for quickly establishing a character's role, especially for walk-ons and minor characters.
• Avoiding Clichés: Writers should be cautious not to rely on stereotypes too heavily, as this can lead to one-dimensional characters.
• Subverting Expectations: Encourages writers to play against stereotypes to surprise readers and create more interesting characters.

What is the importance of point of view in storytelling according to Characters & Viewpoint?

• Narrative Perspective: The choice of point of view shapes how readers perceive characters and events, influencing their emotional connection to the story.
• First-Person vs. Third-Person: Different perspectives offer varying levels of intimacy and insight into a character's thoughts and feelings.
• Unreliable Narrators: Using unreliable narrators can add complexity to the story, challenging readers to question the truth of the narrative.

What are the best quotes from Characters & Viewpoint and what do they mean?

• "Everybody is the hero of his own story.": Highlights that even antagonists have their own motivations and justifications, encouraging exploration of all characters' complexities.
• "The only thing that can save an interloper is vindication.": Suggests that characters must earn their place in the story through their actions and growth.
• "The storyteller’s strongest tools for provoking the readers’ antipathy cannot be overwhelmed by the tools for arousing sympathy.": Emphasizes balancing likable and unlikable traits to create realistic characters.

How does Characters & Viewpoint address the concept of unreliable narrators?

• Understanding Unreliability: Unreliable narrators add depth and complexity by presenting a skewed perspective, creating tension and intrigue.
• Clues for Readers: Writers should provide subtle clues to indicate the narrator's unreliability, allowing readers to engage critically with the text.
• Character Motivation: The motivations behind a narrator's lies or omissions should be clear, enhancing the reader's connection to the story.

How does Characters & Viewpoint suggest handling multiple viewpoints in a story?

• Clear Transitions: Use clear transitions, such as chapter breaks or line spaces, to signal changes in viewpoint characters, helping readers adjust without confusion.
• Consistent Characterization: Each viewpoint character should be well-developed and distinct, with their own voice and motivations.
• Building Tension: Switching viewpoints can build tension and deepen the narrative by revealing different aspects of the story, enhancing understanding of the plot.