1. AltonReed

    AltonReed Active Member

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    The Two Doctors. A problem with Time travel.

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by AltonReed, Sep 23, 2012.

    To give context, I'm writing a Doctor Who short story in which there are two versions of the Time Travelling alien, The Doctor. Their personalities and appearence are very different, however they are both known only as The Doctor.

    So, it has moments like this:

    The Doctor walked over to the wall, The other Doctor followed.

    "Wow, look at this." said the Doctor.

    "I know, it's horrible." The Doctor agreed.

    A bit less than that, maybe but it's still confusing to the reader.

    Anyone dealt with something like this?
     
  2. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    Your problem is not really time travel, it's dealing with two versions of the same character in the same scene.

    It also occurs in parallel universe stories, magical cloning, and "behind the mirror" fantasies.

    Stick toight to one character's POV, either as first person or third person limited. You can refer to the other you by a label chosen by your POV character, e.g. the Other.
     
  3. James Berkley

    James Berkley Banned

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    or focus on something specific to each one to distinguish them apart. for example referring to them as the one with the scarf and the one with the celery.
     

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