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| DIFFERENT FLAVOURS? IMAGE FROM WIKIMEDIA |
Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to
a better understanding of ourselves. ~ Carl Jung
Is your secondary character proving to be no better than
a negative reflection?
Is your secondary character too loveable?
Is their comedic
talent in danger of stealing the show?
Here are six ways to zap their star quality and to make
sure your MC is memorable but not in danger of stealing your MC’s spotlight:
· Screech them into second place by writing
them unable to modulate their pitch, nothing grates on the nerves like a well…poorly–placed,
high-pitched, comment.
· Uh? Spread their attention too thin: give
your secondary character has a method of communicating with others and make
sure they do it whenever your MC wants to share a deeply meaningful observation
· Attention deficit, in a best friend – no
matter what kind of situation they're experiencing – makes for a more clearly
defined MC
· Have that secondary so-and-so sprinkle litter,
cups or the broken-hearted around them, it will give your MC something
thoughtful and strong to do
· Give them two ears for listening but an over
active tongue – nobody falls in love with the secondary character who displays
a tendency to interrupt your MC’s train of thought.
While they’re there, your secondary character can bring
out the best in your MC
From Donald Maass’s writing
tips:
#7 What does a sidekick or secondary character see about
your MC that your MC denies? Force a showdown over it.
#58 What’s one way your MC tackles the big problem? Find
another character who can do the same thing, or the opposite.
My secondary character is loyal, reliable and even
tempered but finds it hard to think outside the socially acceptable norms. My
MC is impulsive, changeable and rebellious.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MC AND SIGNIFICANT SECONDARY OTHER
IN THREE WORDS?
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