One of the problems (actually, the biggest problem) I’m having with the revision project is the whole issue of character motivation. The protagonist’s actions get him into trouble, and as the author, I know why he does what he does (or at least I thought I did), but I don’t think it would be clear to a reader. Likewise with the villains, and really (let me be honest) the entire cast of minor characters. Why do any of them do what they do? What determines motivation? So basically, I’m facing the task of not just revising what I already wrote, but actually writing in new information, even entire new scenes.
E. Hartshorn over at Random Walks toward Publishing has started an interesting discussion about revising your fiction in order to sharpen character motivation. If this is an issue for you too, then you should go over and read what she has to say.
This has been sort of an issue for me, too. I have this one beta reader who is fantastic and she is always pointing out things: he’s too mad for this situation, he wouldn’t act that way, she’s a wimp here, etc., etc., etc. Sometimes it’s required a little minor fix in the way something is said or by tweaking a scene. But…there are quite a few scenes in the finsihed version that were never in any of the drafts, and that I never woudl have put in the drafts. However, some of those scenes have ended up being my favorites because they say so much about the characters and what’s going on in the book.
It’s something I’m a bit worried about – especially where my next WiP will focus on a much smaller cast of characters and have much more conflict.
I’ve picked up a copy of Characters & Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card. It may not help but, even if it covers common sense things I already know, it will (hopefully) get me in a mindset where I’m really thinking about the characters and whether or not their actions make sense.
Thanks for the link Diane.
I don’t *think* I have any serious issues with character motivation, but I’m always looking for ways to improve.
The simple fact that you have identified it and are seeking a remedy, tells all of us that you CARE. You can never go wrong with an attitude like that. Your writing is only going to benefit in the long-run.
Shari, did you spend a lot of time writing new scenes for your novel?
Kathleen, glad you found my blog! Let me know if that book is helpful.
Ken, boy oh boy did I ever identify it! In almost every single character in the book! It’s funny too, since my short fiction is mostly all about the psychology of the characters.