I have been abstaining from commenting because I have a distinct aversion to the term 'free spirit'. To me, it implies a pathetic excuse for total committment. Sure, its easy and fun to pollinate many flowers, flit there, look at this, and leave consequences behind for someone else to mop up. Maybe this is a scathing opinion, but it is mine. No one ever called me a 'free spirit' but in my youth I was something like that. Trying out different things, not following through when things got hard. But I always knew that I was just a coward, and eventually I learned better. Oh there were reasons why I acted like that, but at the end of the day it doesn't matter why, or how much one is hurting inside, only consequences stay around. An excuse is only an excuse. If I'd call someone a 'free spirit' (not that I'd ever do, it is much too flattering a term for a coward), it would be a warning to this person to run far and fast away from me. This wouldn't be a compliment - rather the opposite. If someone calls himself a 'free spirit' ... that would imply he would be proud of it. And then he/she should run even faster.
Like what kind of things? The only story in this realm, about a woman of the "free spirit" variety that I've ever read, and enjoyed, was Capote's Breakfast at Tiffany's. And that's only because it was masterfully crafted. Relationship stories, particularly the kind you're describing, are way out of fashion (thank God)... unless you have some innovative angle or approach to the story, why bother? What happens in this story that would make someone want to read it?
Just to be clear, I started this thread solely to gain some insight to create a better character - I haven't really gone into depth into the character's role within the story. The story is about expats living in France at a time of their lives where the natural questions of their role in the world arise: how do they fit into this interim generation, the role of friendship and relationship in each their lives (hey, that's where this thread comes in handy), finding one's place that balances fullfilment and success, what it means to be an artist in an era where art and the artistic mediums are very accessible, expectation versus reality. There's jealousy and rapaciousness, there's love and hate, there's travel and discovery. Things that happen include, yes, romantic trysts and love triangles, but also emotional violence, meeting interesting people that shake up and challenge their worldview, there's gambling (of the traditional and not-so-traditional kind), there's alcohol-induced violent attacks, there are that betrayals cause tension. There is uncontrolled outbursts of rage. It's not so much a high octane plot as it is a richer exploration characters and relationships and some themes I find important/relevant today. Hope this helps!
In fact, she is all those things. She leaves the consequences of her actions for others to deal with. At first, you don't see it - and you admire it, because what person has never dreamed of a freedom of that kind? Eventually comes to light that it's not a noble trait, not even an admirable one; it's the product of someone who doesn't want to take responsibility for his or her actions, and the resulting consequences make everyone suffer. However, I think it is redeemable and that's the an element of the story.
YOU may admire it. I think that it's going to be a real struggle to get your readers to admire it. If the arc of your story is about the reader realizing, "Y'know, being selfish and self centered isn't an entirely good thing," you may find that you have no arc, because the reader already knew that.
While I wouldn't admire it, I'm wondering if this kind of arch type is common in romance? "The free-spirited woman" we'd like to be but can't, because in the real world the consequences are often annoying and stressful. Like would the fantasy of it appeal to female readers in particular?
Oh there are ways to be free, but not free-spirited. The dividing line is indeed taking responsibilities for one's actions/inactions. You have to consider carefully what your actions do to those around you, and abstain from those that have detrimental consequences for others. Of course, that is your personal choice. Example: Moving to another country. Makes your family unhappy, divorces you physically from your friends, removes all support you leaned on before. But it needn't disrupt the friendship and family ties, you might be happier, learn new ways, fit in in ways you didn't know before. Your family ties might actually be strengthened, when they learn that you are not forgetting them. Flip side of each coin. Consider carefully, and choose.
Sorry if I was unclear, I meant the character trope described in this thread: someone who doesn't really take responsibility, beds many a man but seems doesn't give a toss about their feelings (it's their fault if they get upset when I'm flirting with another dude in front of their face), makes appointments but doesn't show up because she got distracted by something, disregards social norms, takes advantage of (usually) men's helpfulness and kindness, and so on. I'm thinking someone like Lorelai from the Gilmore Girls. I think she's portrayed as something of a free spirit (with plenty of redeeming qualities, though) and sometimes when I'm watching the show, I can't help but think she's often an entitled asshole even though the writers seem to want me to see her as fun and cute and free-spirited. So I was wondering if that character type is actually popular among romance readers.
Just seems very heavy-handed. Why not make this "free-spirited" woman an exceptionally talented artist, say a photographer or sculptor?.. perhaps these friends and relationships always play second fiddle to her purpose in life, her art. I just think you need to find a way to challenge the reader a bit more. Do you know of Francesca Woodman? Like most of you, I absolutely hate fashion, the fashion industry, the celebrities, the mindless decadence of it. But then I watched a documentary on the short career and life of Francesca Woodman... and was moved to the point of laughter. A sad sort of laughter. But she did stick to my ribs, in the end I admired her for her commitment and sacrifice to her art. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francesca_Woodman Anyhow, I think you should make this main character of yours more redeemable.
You know what, that's very good advice. Giving her an 'escape route' through her art is the perfect way to justify her distant personality without the heavy-handedness that the vague and contrived 'free spirit' approach offered. That's perfect. And photographer works perfectly. She was a painter, but I prefer photographer actually. Going to look into Woodman today!
Her arc revolves around the self-discovery that never getting close to anyone and generally subscribing to the idea that freedom is total independence from anyone or anything is not strength of character nor independence. It's a veil of denial and it can only go on for so long before people around you get sick of you, and you yourself figure out it's no way to be.
I think you'll really enjoy the documentary on her. Believe me, I am the furthest person from fashion and the high life... I still think cargo shorts are the greatest fashion invention ever!.. so many pockets! At the end of the docu, I felt bad that she was so close to the success she dreamed of and meeting her parents expectations. Though it may be that because she ended her life so vividly, that was the reason she was discovered. Anyhow, I'm a sucker for a bitter sweet ending.
