Characters Writing Themselves: How Characters Drive Story Development

Every author has their own unique relationship with their characters. For some, characters come alive only as the story unfolds, while for others, they are preconceived entities with specific traits and motivations. The extent to which characters "write themselves" can vary greatly, influencing the narrative direction in significant ways.

Character Development and Organic Storytelling

When starting a new project, the initial understanding of a character is often superficial, limited to their name, age, and a vague notion of the book's ending. As the story grows organically, the characters' actions and decisions become more complex and nuanced, driven by their inherent traits and evolving personalities. This organic development can be both a blessing and a challenge, as characters often resist restraints imposed by the writer's original outline.

Writer’s Block and Character Control

Writer's block often stems from the frustration of trying to force characters to do or say things that feel unnatural or out of character. Instead of compelling the character to fit the story, a more effective approach is to let the character lead the narrative. In this sense, characters can "write themselves" by taking actions that align with their established personalities, often leading to new, unexpected plot developments that enrich the story.

Character-Focused vs. Story-Focused Writing

The nature of a story can significantly impact how characters influence the narrative. There are two primary approaches: story-focused and character-focused writing.

Story-Focused: In story-focused works, the events and plot twists are the central focus. Characters are often seen as tools to drive the narrative forward, with little room for deviation from their assigned roles. Their actions and dialogues are typically dictated by the plot's needs rather than their own desires. This approach can result in a predetermined storyline, with characters that sometimes seem to exist merely to serve the plot.

Character-Focused: In contrast, character-focused writing prioritizes the development and agency of the characters. These works often evolve organically, with the plot emerging as a response to the characters' actions and personalities. The story becomes a reflection of the characters, and any deviations or surprises originate from the decisions they make. This can lead to a richer, more dynamic narrative but also presents greater challenges in maintaining a cohesive storyline.

Example of Character and Story Integration: Harry Potter Series

To illustrate the difference between these two approaches, let's examine J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. Each book serves as a different case study in character and story integration.

Book 1, 4, and 7: Story-Focused

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1), Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4), and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7), the plot dominates the narrative. Characters are often used as vectors for the story's progression. Dialogue and actions are carefully orchestrated to advance the plot, with little room for free exploration by the characters. For example, the sweets cart in the train is introduced to set up a plot point later in the story, underscoring the predictive and structured nature of the narrative.

Book 2, 3, and 6: Character-Focused

Books 2, 3, and 6, such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, exhibit a character-driven approach. The plot is largely driven by the unique personalities and motivations of the characters. For instance, Ginny Weasley's interactions with Draco Malfoy and Harry's curiosity play a pivotal role in shaping the events of the story. This approach allows for more fluid and unpredictable narrative paths, with characters frequently taking the lead in defining the plot.

Book 5: A Blend of Both

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5) presents a unique blend of both approaches. Some chapters and plotlines are heavily focused on character development, such as the formation of the Dumbledore Army and the development of the harry-voldemort connection, while other parts, like the ministry takeover and the prophecy, align more closely with a preconceived storyline.

Conclusion

The interplay between characters and story can significantly influence the overall quality and direction of a narrative. Understanding whether your writing is more story-focused or character-focused can help guide the development process, allowing you to either tightly control the plot or let the characters navigate uncharted territory. By embracing the organic growth of your characters, you can create a richer, more engaging story that resonates with readers in profound ways.