1. E. C. Scrubb

    E. C. Scrubb Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2012
    Messages:
    411
    Likes Received:
    26
    Location:
    Southwest US

    What happens when a character dreams?

    Discussion in 'Character Development' started by E. C. Scrubb, Aug 19, 2012.

    I'm opening a prologue with a dream sequence. One of the issues that's been brought up to me, is that the three-year-old's patterns of speech are more like a seven or ten-year-old's patterns. The problem however, is that it is an eighteen-year-old who is having the dream (it's a memory that is being replayed with changes from her subconscious mind).

    So, do I write the dream sequence with three-year-old words and grammar, with eighteen-year-old words and grammar, or someplace in the middle? I originally aimed for middle, but not sure if that is right since I've had the feedback.
     
  2. Pheonix

    Pheonix A Singer of Space Operas and The Fourth Mod of RP Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2012
    Messages:
    5,712
    Likes Received:
    406
    Location:
    The Windy City
    Thats a tough one. If it were me, I'd write it from outside perspective, narrating with the older dialect, observing things happening, words being spoken with 3 year old dialect.

    Or you could just throw it all out and say anything goes, it's a dream.

    Or just add a sentence that wasn't how the character sounded, but he/she filled in the memory blanks with current vocabulary.
     
  3. louis1

    louis1 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2012
    Messages:
    236
    Likes Received:
    7
    don't start with a dream.
     
  4. HayleyEditor

    HayleyEditor New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Brighton
    As long as you're consistent throughout the dream (and the novel) I'm not sure that it matters which way you do it. Experiment and see which has a greater impact. View it as an opportunity to use the contrasting ages to great effect.

    (Louis) I'm not sure if I would say never open with a dream sequence. Anything is possible in fiction. It really comes down to the skill of the writer to make it fresh. I would say that starting with a dream isn't a great move unless you really can't find another way or you're doing something amazing with it.
     
  5. captain kate

    captain kate Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2008
    Messages:
    879
    Likes Received:
    50
    Location:
    Cruising through space.
    I agree with Lous1, starting with a dream is a gimmick move, as is the prologue. If getting published is the goal, which most writers strive to achieve, it'll be seen as such by Agents, and your manuscript will be put down. They don't want to see prologues, wild explosions or car chases, or any of those writing gimmicks. They want a good active opening that hooks them in the first three paragraphs...that's all you get to impress an agent even if your synopsis is the best since sliced bread.

    Ditch the prologue, work it into your first chapter, and I'd probably work the dream ideas into your story instead of lumping it all in the beginning.
     
  6. GoldenGhost

    GoldenGhost Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2012
    Messages:
    484
    Likes Received:
    58
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    I mean, you could change the age of the person in the dream to speech you're familiar with.

    Or, you could spend some time with toddlers and listen to them, ask them if they remember their dreams and what they are about.

    Or, you could not start off with a dream sequence, though I find the idea interesting, but I will suggest it play no immediate relevance, thus creating a marbled surprise as the story unfolds.

    I would also suggest doing whatever is necessary for you to tell your story.


    Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night. -Edgar Allan Poe
     
  7. Dirg

    Dirg New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2012
    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    NJ
    Dream start is so cliche'd in my opinion. But i digress, I would stray away from making things too intangible for the reader and explain the setting, maybe have the main character understand and speak like their 18 year old self, but have the other characters in the dream speak like they would if they were younger. Maybe even have the protagonist trip over the words as the reader may. Dreams are hard to do well and are rarely seen as "good" Name a good dream anything that wasn't Inception in the past ten years.
     
  8. Link the Writer

    Link the Writer Flipping Out For A Good Story. Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2009
    Messages:
    15,023
    Likes Received:
    9,676
    Location:
    Alabama, USA
    Don't start with a dream, mostly because if you do, the readers will feel cheated.

    I mean, if I started my book with my MC falling over a waterfall, plunging headfirst into the rocky outcroppings below, readers will be holding the book tight between their fingers, wondering if my character's going to make it or not. Especially if I spent the last few paragraphs building the the tension that led up to the aforesaid falling over the waterfall.

    But if I then said, "Oh wait, that was a dream! The MC is safe and sound in his bed/at his desk with his face on top of the keyboards." then they'll be cheated. Readers don't like to be lied to or cheated. All that drama and fear was for nothing? What gives? They want to feel the fear and panic, they want to be sucked in and keep going.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice