Character IS Destiny
People often talk about a novel being plot driven or character driven. I think the best novels--the ones that make you feel sorry the book is coming to an end--are those driven by BOTH the plot and the protagonist's character/personality.
Let's face it, for a read to be really enjoyable, you have to CARE about the main character. Yes, the plot twists and turns can be engrossing, but you have to feel for and identify with the main character.
All human activity can be viewed as having three componants: thinking, feeling, and behavior. A really good novel lets you know what the main character is thinking, what he or she is feeling (both emotionally and bodily), and what he or she does as the plot winds its way through the story--the character's behavior.
In a sense, the person's character (what is thought, felt, and what the protagonist does) drives the novel's momentum. The character helps the plot move one way or the other. A great plot line with a poorly defined main character renders the novel anemic, hollow, and makes the reader yawn.
So, in a very real way, character IS destiny. It gives the story muscle, guts and bone--the hero's character creates the tissue that holds the plot together-- and helps provide a satisying experience. In other words, the novel becomes a good read.
Let's face it, for a read to be really enjoyable, you have to CARE about the main character. Yes, the plot twists and turns can be engrossing, but you have to feel for and identify with the main character.
All human activity can be viewed as having three componants: thinking, feeling, and behavior. A really good novel lets you know what the main character is thinking, what he or she is feeling (both emotionally and bodily), and what he or she does as the plot winds its way through the story--the character's behavior.
In a sense, the person's character (what is thought, felt, and what the protagonist does) drives the novel's momentum. The character helps the plot move one way or the other. A great plot line with a poorly defined main character renders the novel anemic, hollow, and makes the reader yawn.
So, in a very real way, character IS destiny. It gives the story muscle, guts and bone--the hero's character creates the tissue that holds the plot together-- and helps provide a satisying experience. In other words, the novel becomes a good read.
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