The complete writer's guide to heroes & heroines by Tami D. Cowden

Author:Tami D. Cowden
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Authorship., Characters and characteristics in literature.
Publisher: Distributed to the trade by National Book Network
Published: 2000-04-14T21:00:00+00:00

Creating Chai^cters / Evolving Archetypes

ment of Luc subside. She begins to develop a sunnier disposition and a willingness to explore new ways of living. By the middle of the movie, she has become a SPUNKY KID.

At a key turning point in the movie, Kate must decide whether or not to keep her savings so she can buy the home she has planned for all her life, or give the money to Luc so he can achieve his dream of owning a vineyard. The LIBRARIAN had carefully saved every penny, but the SPUNKY KID gives freely and without regret to help her love achieve his dream.

Another example can be found in the film Trading Places. Billy Ray Valentine starts the story as a down-and-out CHARMER; a street bum, this man tries to scam every p(|rson walking by him, hoping for some easy money. He may be down on his luck, but he continues to smile and laugh at life, teasing every passerby and trying to pacify the police with his charisma. This man is showing some of the negative qualities inherent in the CHARMER archetype. Manipulative and irresponsible, he is going nowhere and—without change—the audience will not stick around for the ride.

As luck would have it, he is hand-picked by two elderly gentlemen for an "experiment." With nothing left to lose, Billy Ray agrees to the plan and finds himself in another world—one he rapidly begins to adapt to and appreciate. His innate intelligence and cunning mind are put to good use figuring out the stock market. He learns to apply himself and begins taking control of his destiny. When he learns of the nasty scheme behind his changed circumstances, his cool analysis of the situation calms his comrade. He takes charge and plans a surprise takeover. This man has shed his negative CHARMER personality and evolved into a decisive and capable CHIEF.

In one of the most telling scenes in the movie, Billy Ray invites all of his old gang to his new, beautiful home. As the party escalates, and expensive items begin to disappear or are destroyed, Billy Ray realizes he is no longer interested in the fi:ee and easy hfe of a CHAPJVIER. This CHIEF promptly kicks his "friends" out.

When working with EVOLVING ARCHETYPES, the writer must create enough motivation for the character to justify the profound changes that occur. Using backstory, plot and other characters, the writer must force his hero or heroine into growth and change in order to survive and overcome the obstacle placed before them. Growth is painful and characters who

Eddie Murphy as Billy Ray Valentine in Trading Places

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