The Journey: Everybody Needs Support

Hello everyone and thank you for stopping by. I’ve been hard at work with some behind the scene tasks for Through the Fire. One of those tasks was going over feedback from my group of beta readers.

Last week I received some encouraging feedback that I’m grateful for. I’m also grateful for a remark they shared that made me smile—“I want to see more of her.” The ‘her’ being referred to in this request is the secondary character, Bernadette Lewis. The ‘more of’ refers to seeing more of her  in the story.

Request Denied

As pleased as I am at knowing that the character connected with the reader, I’m unable to fulfill that request. I can’t because it would take that character out of their role of being  supportive to the protagonist.

Like any project there is a standard process to be considered. For writers of fiction, one of the most important steps is establishing the role of the characters. At the top of the list is the protagonist/main character. The story primarily revolves around them, their goal(s), possible failure or success. Questions to be answered about them can be extensive. Who are they? What’s their plight? How will they deal with it and others as they work their way through? Are they loveable or are they someone the reader will love to hate?

The list goes on; because it does who that protagonist is has to be written in a way that gets the reader invested in them. It is equally important that the reader develop some type of rapport with those sent to help tell the story. Drawing from the adage, ‘a person is known by the company they keep’, writers must build a supporting cast capable of giving depth and realism to the protagonist and the story.  Who they are should show to what extent they are or aren't trusted, how they deal with adversity and most of all, what they contribute to the central theme of the story. Although secondary, they too should have an independent goal and represent a key element of the story. A bit of backstory is helpful. How much is up to the writer. Who they are should never overshadow the main character. But, who they are should be interesting enough to where the readers can’t imagine the book without them.

A prime example of this is the character Mouse from Walter Mosley's Devil in a Blue Dress. Mouse came to support Easy Rollins' need for protection. His presence did just that and you also learned a bit of his backstory. The supporting role he played helped you to see another side of Easy. It also added a bit of levity and insight to the unlikely friendship Easy cherished having with him.

So again I must say, ‘Request Denied’. Not because I don’t want to give Bernadette a larger role than she already has, but because I have to keep her in her lane of—supporting Hayes.

As always I thank you for stopping by. Until next time remember to use your words to bear good fruit!

 

 

Linda!