Caroline Starr Rose

picture book and middle-grade author

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What We Can Learn From Our Protagonists

14 Comments

Has your character’s journey ever taught you something?

We spend months (or, if you’re like me, years) with our protagonists, poring ourselves into their lives, problems, strengths, weaknesses, and the like. I draw a lot of comfort from watching my characters stumble, wander, hesitate, and ultimately succeed.

Having spent most of my time lately with my historical novel-in-verse, MAY B., my character, May, has been on my mind. She reminds me to deal with the present, not live in the past or future. She encourages me to keep working toward goals, especially those I might not ever achieve.

I realize this sounds like I’m confident my work is brimming with insight or that I think I’m brilliant. That’s not it. Really, believe me! I think, though, the slow, steady process that is writing has forced me to think intentionally about my characters, to see the options presented to them and watch, at a bit of a distance, how they choose to react.

The fact a character stumbles around makes their ultimate choices all the more significant, don’t you think? I’m thankful for the courage I glimpse May. I’ve grown as a person by spending time with her.

Does anyone else watch their characters at a distance, gaining insight along the way?

My agent call is tomorrow at eleven. Courage and confidence needed!

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Filed Under: May B., publication, the writing life

Comments

  1. Natalie says

    October 28, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    My main character is braver than I am. She’s the kind of kid I wished I could be when I was 12.

    And May is such a great character! I love that she doesn’t give up, despite her obstacles.

    Good luck tomorrow!

    Reply
  2. Rosslyn Elliott says

    October 28, 2009 at 2:55 pm

    Oh yes, this definitely happens for me too. My characters encourage me to be courageous.

    Great post!

    Reply
  3. Anna says

    October 28, 2009 at 4:59 pm

    I find my characters are more impulsive than I am, which can get them into trouble but it also allows them take risks. I’m usually so busy worrying about outcomes, I let chances slip by. So while I don’t want to be reckless, being a bit less of a worrywart might not be a bad thing. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Tamika: says

    October 28, 2009 at 5:13 pm

    Praying for you about your agent call! I can’t wait to hear all the good things that are unfolding.

    My character teach me a lot about the layers I wear. Learning to shed past hurts and insecruities.

    Thanks for a great post!

    Reply
  5. Anissa says

    October 28, 2009 at 6:28 pm

    My character is dealing with a lot more grief than I had to at her age, but she’s growing and learning. As am I.

    Good luck tomorrow!

    Reply
  6. Kristen Torres-Toro says

    October 28, 2009 at 8:18 pm

    Definitely! My favorite is when my character ministers to me. I didn’t expect that to happen!

    I hope it’s a GREAT conversation for you!

    Reply
  7. Kristi Faith says

    October 28, 2009 at 8:42 pm

    Best, best wishes!! I want to hear about that call!!! 🙂 Lots of encouragement and support sent your way!

    As for my characters-they are all much more courageous than I!

    Reply
  8. Frankie Diane Mallis says

    October 28, 2009 at 10:25 pm

    You’ll do great!!

    Reply
  9. T. Anne says

    October 29, 2009 at 12:37 am

    Oh My gosh! I can’t wait to hear what was said!!!!!!! Ack. Hurry up and post the details!

    Reply
  10. Jessie Oliveros says

    October 29, 2009 at 2:20 am

    My protagonist is still rather flat, but I’m excited to get to the point where she becomes more independent and starts ruling the book. That’s so exciting about your letter. Can’t way to hear more.

    Reply
  11. Jessie Oliveros says

    October 29, 2009 at 2:20 am

    My protagonist is still rather flat, but I’m excited to get to the point where she becomes more independent and starts ruling the book. That’s so exciting about your letter. Can’t way to hear more.

    Reply
  12. Heidi Willis says

    October 29, 2009 at 7:19 pm

    eagerly waiting your news!!

    I think really good characters – interesting ones – are terribly flawed somehow. It’s great that you are growing by spending time with your characters… we spend so much time with them it would be a shame if we didn’t get something out of the relationship!

    Reply
  13. PJ Hoover says

    October 29, 2009 at 9:33 pm

    I hope the agent call went well!

    I’ve been enjoying getting to know my characters better recently. It’s like a light has gone on.

    Reply
  14. Dawn Simon says

    October 30, 2009 at 12:31 am

    I think I do gain insight from my characters.

    Regarding the agent call, I’m hoping for the best!

    Reply

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