5.8 Challenging Expectations

Week 5 and we've been delving into lots of theory around character development, plot, conflict and stereotypes. First writing exercise for this week is another character, but this time looking to create a unexpected twist to a normal stereotype. An example offered is "the meticulous manager who lives in a messy house".

The challenge now is to write your stereotype in a more complicated fashion.

Write a brief scene, around 300–500 words, in your notebook, in which you portray a character in a complex way, going against the usual expectations for such a character.

Inadvertently my character from last week is already doing this, I think. He's a 'typical' scientist, but seemingly prone to rather violent displays of anger as he smashed up his lab. The past-self revenge plot idea can also ramp up to give the 'conflict' Week 5 is looking for too.

However, as an exercise I think it is likely valuable to plunge into the notebook and see if I can't dig something else out.

~

"And so soft, thus, he steps,

through yonder hall."

A small silver chalice is whisked from the shelf and vanishes into a bag with a soft metallic chink. Gloved hands move deftly, fingering an item for a second or two as if divining worth before plucking it away or trying the next.

"Amidst such wealth, gold a new,

dance silently at a ball."

The slender figure stops briefly, seemingly distracted, head shaking slowly as if in a debate with itself. 

"dance silently at a ball? Creeping silently, standing tall? Small, pall, squall..."

And moving again, it slides from shadow to shadow. Dressed in black, the form is hard to make out, but the set of shoulders hints at a graceful masculinity. The soft sheen of leather amidst the dull void of wool briefly gives shape to the phantom. As if dancing a ballet, he continues on.

"Sunset dawn brings me forth,

A hard night's day ahead."

With magpie fervour he collects his tokens. Room after room he visits, no nook nor cranny too small to escape his notice. The bag is full, interrupting his flow and is swung to the opposite shoulder. Success! Now time to leave. Retracing his steps through the labyrinth of wealth, a soft chuckle on his lips.

He emerges from the internal gloom and skips into the moonlight. 

"Work complete, struggle on

Morning dusk, off to bed."

~

I think I'm going to stop now before it becomes too forced. It was a vague idea, and I'm struggling to fill in the details. 

Next up is putting together all we've learnt on character creation to produce a similar piece for submission just as before. And like before I shall be receiving and giving reviews via the site. 

Onwards!