Paint A Picture For Your Readers With An Objective Correlative

Have you heard of the objective correlative? Those are two big words, I know, but they can be critical in terms of fleshing out your writing. In short, an objective correlative is certain information given to the reader in terms of setting, plot, and mood can more readily elicit a desired emotional response than direct statement. In other words:

The objective correlative creates an emotional connection between the character and the surrounding environmentIt allows readers to experience the same emotions as the characterIt helps writers show emotions instead of telling readers how a character feels

Some examples of this would be:

An overcast sky and an entirely too silent forest to build a sense of forebodingYour main character is feeling restricted by her parents, so you mention that her parents are like her least favorite coat that’s too small and restricts her arm movement.A significant scar on the protagonist that reminds them of an important plot point or significant life event (“She clenched her fist around the scar in her palm.”)A withered rose in a vase next to the bed of someone critically ill to give a picture of pending death

An objective correlative can help you paint a scene or layer an important message over the action or dialogue. When you begin the drafting process, be sure to look for places in your manuscript where you can subtly add in these touches versus spelling the message or feeling out in backstory or narrative. Be selective about this – the key is being subtle. You want it to register with your reader but not seem too obviously planted for effect.

Give the objective correlative a shot on your next pass through your novel – it may lead you into all sorts of interesting places.