Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
• Completion
• Volume
These compound as the need for the character to resolve the confl ict becomes greater.
The Character in Confl ict
The story is the character's story. The plot is driven not by the action presented or required
by the confl ict, but by the reaction of the character to the problem. Depending on who your
character is, what her strengths and weaknesses are, her history, moral position, and whether
she operates primarily from a position of logic or emotion will cause the character to respond
toward a problem in one of four ways:
• Physically
• Emotionally
• Strategically
• Critically
The character may react in just one way or in all of these ways as she explores different
tactics to resolve the confl ict. These tactics include:
• Avoiding
• Preventing
• Controlling
• Negotiating
• Attacking
These tactics are driven by the character's thoughts and emotions. Thought and emotion
drive her action and reaction. Emotion is evoked in the character because there is something
at stake for the character. What is at stake for the character usually has to do with loss of
status or power:
• Control
• Acceptance
• Reputation
• Freedom
• Self-esteem
• Health
Emotional changes in the character occur as each event in the story puts what is at stake
in jeopardy. These emotional changes are called a
character arc
. Every character, at
