| Subject: |
|
A SAMPLE |
| Name: |
|
William |
| Date Posted: |
|
Jun 9, 06 - 12:50 PM |
| Email: |
|
butlerwm@hotmail.com |
| Message: |
|
Here's a sample of a brief bit of character history. It takes no more than two paragraphs to tell and provides the reader with the background on a certain situation.
For three years my family held me captive. They released me only when they knew the man I loved had married. After that, I stayed in Colorado. But there came a time when I had to know. I had to see him again; had to touch him and let myself know it hadn't been just a dream. I had to know it wasn't a lie or something imagined. I couldn't stay away any longer because I loved him then and I love him now.
So, after nine more years, I went to San Antonio and found him. I watched him and learned of his new life. I learned of his new love and their child. And I learned how much they meant to him. But it did nothing to change what was in my heart. It didn't ease the hurt. And so I approached him.
Here is the same information presented as dialogue between two characters. One of the first things you'll notice is that it takes more room to tell the same thing. However, you'll also notice it gives more insight into the emotions of the participates because we not only know the history, but we can "see" how it has affected them.
"Where've you been?" Mark asked, fighting the emotions threatening to overwhelm him. "All these years, where've you been?"
Helen sighed heavily, stood and walked around the bench onto the grass.
"For three years my mother and brother held me captive. I was released only when they knew you'd married. Since then, I've been living in Colorado. That's where the rest of my family is."
"So why now? Why'd you show up now?"
"Because I had to see you again. Had to touch you and let myself know it wasn't just a dream – everything we did. Everything we said to each other. Everything we felt for each other. Because I had to know it wasn't a lie or something imagined. Because I couldn't stay away any longer. Because I loved you then and I still love you now."
Mark stood and came around to stand behind her. "You know...."
She turned and put a finger to his lips, not letting him finish.
"Yeah, I know."
"And we have a kid: a daughter, Karen. She'll be five next month."
"I know," She lowered her head and closed her eyes, "I've been in San Antonio for the better part of two weeks. I know you met her right after getting back to the states. I know you married her three months later. And I know that you still love me, too."
"Then if you know all those things, you know I can't be with you. In fact, I shouldn't even be talking to you now."
"Yeah," she looked up again, tears beginning to puddle in the corners of her eyes, "I know all that. But you know I never really cared about should and can't; only about won't. And here is what I won't do. I won't interfere in your marriage. I won't come between you and this other woman you love. But also, I won't stop loving you."
So, in the end it's not a matter of what we want to say, just "how" we want to say it. Some of the dicision is based upon whether we're writing short fiction or a longer piece. Another consideration is how much we want the reader to feel.
Let me know your thoughts.
Bill
|
|
Replies:
|
|
|
TOPIC 2 by William · Jun 13, 06 - 1:56 PM
|
Hey Webmasters! New Photo Album Service Launched - Check it out!
Reply
Home
bravenet.com