Character Defining Moments

I suppose this works in tandem with the decisive moment, but maybe a better definition between the two would ‘Before and After’ moments.

I’ve read this a plethora of times in various works, but I guess it didn’t click until I read it in that form above.

These moments come about in the character’s wound or scar, their dark history or just plain old history. It is a moment that makes them them.

Often these moments are hardships or sorrows, but I think the possibility of it being any true moment that affects the character to make it much more interesting. We’ve all had our lives changes better or worse because of this. But being aware of these moments in our own lives better enables us to use them in our character’s lives.

I believe this can then offer multiple moments in a story that we remember.

I’ve been obsessing lately with trying to inject meaning into my story and characters. Big plotty scenes full of excitement are always better with meaning attached.

Why else would the chubby kid build up the nerve to ask out their dream partner?

The hero/heroine sacrifice themselves?

Someone tell the truth when lying would be better?

Or a person reveal themselves without the allure of perfection?

This rook only just discovered so, maybe that’s my moment?

Who’d a thought?

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