Characterization Part 2

Last week
we looked at the author's need to choose carefully what information about his
characters finds its way onto the pages of the story.  This week I would like to share a concept I read from an
instructor of fiction writing.  (I tried to backtrack and find the exact source.  I believe the gentleman is Larry Brooks, but I couldn't find the exact blog entry...)




His
premise is that there are only two purposes for scenes in a story:

1.    To further the plot or

2.    To deepen characterization.




This may
seem like an obvious statement, but let's think about it.  If we think about the purpose of every
scene, it should make our writing more focused.  Less milling around in the middle.




I recall
a scene in my first book that was thrown in mostly because I felt the need to increase
word count.  Embarrassing to
admit.  And thankfully my editor
called me on it.  She referred to
the scene as a "history lesson".  Although I think it may partly have been because the characters were visiting an ancient site, it was also probably because it could have been likened to a boring lecture. The scene had no
real purpose other than the fact that I needed my characters out of the hotel where they
were staying because the "bad guys" were planning an ambush
(simplistic paraphrase, but hopefully you get the point).




So I had
a choice.  I could ax the scene and
find another way for my villains to play out their revenge, or I could make the
scene relevant.  I attempted the
latter.  Because the scene did not
truly advance the plot of the story, I focused on characterization.  My characters admitted
feelings for each other that had beforehand only been internalized. 




Our
instructor also suggests that we choose a primary focus for each scene so the
reader can attend to either plot or characterization.  If we muddle the scenes with a little of
both, it leaves our readers feeling the same (muddled).  That is not to say that a scene meant
to advance the plot has absolutely no characterization, or vice versa.  But our main focus should be on one or
the other.




On the flip side, as writers we should be conscious of every scene we write.  If a scene has neither plot nor characterization, but is simply a "filler", then it will most likely cause the reader either to become bored or confused. So, just as we carefully craft our characters to make them realistic, we should just as carefully put them in scenes that matter.




What are some of your favorite practices involving characterization?  




Happy writing,









Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com