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| Photo courtesy of: The Digital Artist, Pete Linforth; courtesy of: Pixabay |
We all have fears, our struggle to overcome them helps
define us as an individual. The same is true for literary characters. To be
relatable and real characters must be damaged in some way.
Every character, no matter how powerful, is frightened of
something. Superman fears kryptonite, Peter Pan fears growing up, Anikan
Skywalker fears losing those he loves. Each of these specific fears provides a
catalyst that carries their stories forward.
Fear is a motivator, a survival mechanism that instigates
a character's actions or reactions. Heroes and villains are born and die
through their fears.
We all cheer and admire the characters, who despite their
fears, perform selfless acts of bravery to save others. In the same way, we
despise villains who twist their fears and apply self-serving devices to avoid
them.
And, of course, we all love it when the good guy, who's conquered his
fears, triumphs over the bad guy who's fears have wreaked havoc on others.
As a writer, fear is a powerful means to get to know your
characters and develop conflict in your narrative. It also operates as a
self-reflection tool.
When a writer exposes their characters' fears and places
them in difficult positions where they have to confront these fears head on, it
requires a lot of soul-searching. You must play out the scene in your mind, dig
deep into your own humanity and compose an authentic scene that will ring true
with readers.
After you've decided on the fears your characters will
have you to have to take it a step further and determine why they have them.
Did something happen to them as a child? Do they have an unexplained phobia
that requires psycho therapy? Did they experience a recent traumatic event?
Have they succumbed to their fears or overcome them?
Only the writer can answer these questions. So go on and give it a try. It’s
fun and will help you and your readers get to know your characters a little
better.
I'd love to hear all about your character's fears. Please comment below if you'd like to share.
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