Character Building Blocks
Propose a Flawed Belief they might have that stems from the Wound: “If I just do this then I’ll never be wounded again.”
“If I just work harder I’ll never make the same mistake again”
Eugene is determined that the fatal miscalculation of his last, disastrous experiment was a fault of not working hard enough, rather than working too hard.
Proposal an Irrational Fear for the Protagonist: “If I just avoid doing that then I’ll never be wounded again.”
“These test subjects are dangerous and uncompromising. I must never treat them as anything but a threat. I have learnt that the hard way and I’ll never make the same mistake again”
The carnage of his last failure has bred a deep fear and mistrust of all contained paranormal subjects. He now treats all contained subjects as both subhuman and a potential threat - even the friendly ones.
Propose a potential Deeply Held Longing – the thing the character needs in order to be a better person and lead a better life. It heals the Wound, destroys the Flawed Belief, and exposes the Irrational Fear.
There’s a void within Eugene - a disconnection from external world he thinks he can fill through scientific research. In reality, it’s a connection to others, and an understanding of empathy that Eugene subconsciously longs for. The longer he chases the ever-illusive ‘final scientific breakthrough’ the closer he comes to wounding himself again.
Which of the Three Classic Ways to Create Empathy might be utilised in creating your protagonist?
Sympathy (victim of undeserved misfortune)
We should feel sympathy for the both physical and mental isolation Eugene finds himself in, particularly because it is self imposed. At the beginning of the story this takes the form of his lonely job in Archives. As the plot progresses it will take the form of Eugene’s scientific disconnection that bleeds into his daily interactions.
Jeopardy (placed in a threatening situation)
Eugene will find himself in particularly dangerous situations when dealing with a dangerous rouge subject.
Which of Five Additional Ways to Strengthen Empathy might be drawn upon in creating your protagonist?
Eugene is an incredible problem solver and very hard worker. Although, often, he will work himself to the bone, you can guarantee that whatever he produces will be perfect.
Familiar flaws and foibles
Eugene is typically awkward with social interaction. He does his best to be friendly to his co-workers however, he often misreads social and emotional cues in conversation. He’s the kinda guy you have to explain the punchline of a joke to.
Thematic idea: The abuse of others …
Transformative action: … for the sake of scientific advancement …
Manifestation or result: … is ultimately dehumanising for all involved.
The abuse of others for the sake of scientific advancement is ultimately dehumanising for all involved.
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