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writercises Original Posting Feb. 1, 2019
Whoo! So we’re off to a great start, with disturbance. Next? James recommends we take a look at a care package. What does he mean by that?
“The Care Package is a relationship the Lead has with someone else, in which he shows his concern, through word or deed, for that character's well being.”
So, the main character does something, or says something, that shows they care! Which gives us a little glimpse of the humanity of the main character, and makes us sympathize with them. Even if they are evil, this gives us a bit of hope that they might be reformed! So... a care package...
James gives us several examples. A thriller, where the main character takes care of his autistic brother, and teaches fifth grade. Hunger Games Katniss takes care of her mother and sister. Star Wars Luke starts out taking care of his uncle and aunt. Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz takes care of Toto!
That care package shows us the main character being unselfish. Also, it’s something that we get a glimpse of early on, usually a relationship from before the story starts. Later, there’s another one called Pet the Dog. Don’t get them confused... pet the dog is the Lead helping someone out in the middle of trouble, while the care package is something they were doing when they got in trouble.
One reason for tossing this in early... to build emotional depth for your story.
For plotters and outliners, this is the emotional foundation for the story. It’s often a piece of the backstory that really brings out the story. Pantsers, on the other hand, may just want to pause and ask what kind of relationship the Lead might have that shows they care?
The point is, show us that the main character is human. “Don’t be afraid to show humanity: caring, flaws, foibles, doubts, inner conflict, love, passion, anger, frailty as well as strength.”
Give us a care package!
Hum... the disturbance shows us the character getting in trouble. The care package tells us that this is someone we should support.
Disturbance, care package... what’s next? An argument?
Stay tuned!
Whoo! So we’re off to a great start, with disturbance. Next? James recommends we take a look at a care package. What does he mean by that?
“The Care Package is a relationship the Lead has with someone else, in which he shows his concern, through word or deed, for that character's well being.”
So, the main character does something, or says something, that shows they care! Which gives us a little glimpse of the humanity of the main character, and makes us sympathize with them. Even if they are evil, this gives us a bit of hope that they might be reformed! So... a care package...
James gives us several examples. A thriller, where the main character takes care of his autistic brother, and teaches fifth grade. Hunger Games Katniss takes care of her mother and sister. Star Wars Luke starts out taking care of his uncle and aunt. Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz takes care of Toto!
That care package shows us the main character being unselfish. Also, it’s something that we get a glimpse of early on, usually a relationship from before the story starts. Later, there’s another one called Pet the Dog. Don’t get them confused... pet the dog is the Lead helping someone out in the middle of trouble, while the care package is something they were doing when they got in trouble.
One reason for tossing this in early... to build emotional depth for your story.
For plotters and outliners, this is the emotional foundation for the story. It’s often a piece of the backstory that really brings out the story. Pantsers, on the other hand, may just want to pause and ask what kind of relationship the Lead might have that shows they care?
The point is, show us that the main character is human. “Don’t be afraid to show humanity: caring, flaws, foibles, doubts, inner conflict, love, passion, anger, frailty as well as strength.”
Give us a care package!
Hum... the disturbance shows us the character getting in trouble. The care package tells us that this is someone we should support.
Disturbance, care package... what’s next? An argument?
Stay tuned!