Steve Harrison
Well-Known Member
So true. I had a main character in my first novel who was driven by resentment and the quest for revenge to such an extent he was completely blinkered, even when it was obvious it would be self-destructive or harm others. I kept giving him options to escape and the chance of redemption, but he wasn't having any of it.If done woodenly, then yeah--but also, anything done poorly is pretty meh.
If the tension in the character is real and visceral? If we know they're going to do the thing we know they'll do but the struggle--the teacup rage and anger and resentment and recrimination--the struggle moves them 2.3% in a new direction? That's the delicious bit. Both because it's the struggle and also, if they moved 2.3% this time... what happens next time?
Struggle ==> Tension ==> Choice ==> Future Consequences = GIMME
He was a very frustrating character to write, as he just would not bend an inch, but I think giving him those choices, which he knowingly rejected, created a great deal of tension for readers (and me!) and made up for him not having a traditional character arc. It's the one time I've had clear insight into a battle between me and my subconscious in real time. And I'm glad my subconscious won out!