I'm writing a story, in the format of a TV series. There are going to be more characters, but the first two "episodes" is where a character, who is a griffin, gets PTSD from a traumatic event, exits the dimension, and enters another one, where he meets a deaf girl named Cyan, who can wield magic using her unicorn-liek horn on her forehead. I want to learn how to correctly portray PTSD, and if I made any mistakes, how to fix them, and how I can make the story better. I am also afraid that my character Cyan is a Mary-Sue. What are the best flaws you can give a erson of Cyan's description. Here is the story link: Link removed by moderator.
I'd just google it honestly. I know you suffer flashbacks occasionally, a certain scent or sight can trigger it, horrible nightmares at times. I don't have PTSD and I don't know anybody with it, but I've had to depict it in my story as well and this is what I found when I researched it.
Hi @AlbertAnims, and welcome to the forum. You've got a legitimate question, but I had to remove the link to your story as outside linking is not allowed by our Forum Rules. You'll be able to share your story in our Workshop once you've completed your initial membership requirements of two weeks, twenty posts, and at least two critiques of others' works. Be sure to check out the rules and also the New Member Quick Start, and enjoy the forum!
I'm curious. I'm deaf/hard of hearing, use a hearing aid and know ASL (American Sign Language) so I'm wondering how you are going to have the two characters communicate? You mentioned that one is a griffin and the other I assume is a human so I don't see them lip-reading or signing as the two would need to have similar body types in order to use sign language. Technology can help - hearing aids, cochlear implants - but the problem I have always had with these devices is that they only amplify the noise, they do not necessarily help you to interpret it. I still have to supplement my amplification with lip-reading to understand what is being said. It also takes so much time. People have different cadence with their speech, different word choices, different volumes....etc, etc. It is so much work to figure all of that out and it is a LOT easier for me to limit my interactions with people. Less chance of misunderstandings. I guess the simplest fix would be to give them some type of mind reading ability although I do wonder if that would be effective across species in real life.....for example, assuming I did have the ability to mind read a dog or a cat, would my own experiences allow me to interpret their thoughts and actions correctly? If you want to see some sign language in action, look at some of Sean Forbes work on YouTube. He's a deaf rapper who uses sign language in his work. My favourites are "Watch these Hands" and "Two Blown Speakers."
First off, I'm glad to see someone who is willing to try their hand with this kind of thing, that takes bravery in itself. Writing PTSD is an interesting thing, mostly because it effects us all a bit differently. I have dealt with it for a few years, and have written more then a few characters who suffer from it, if you want more information, please let me know, I would be more then willing to help.
@GirlWriter101 Thank you very much! @Cdn Writer Both of the characters know sign language, and the griffin his five digits, and look similar to human hands, except they are scaled like bird feet, and have short claws on each digit.
It's a hard thing to say, since it takes away from time writing, but on the PTSD thing? Research. If you want to write about something you have little or no knowledge of, then you simply have to educate yourself on it. Buy a book, look on Youtube for videos/documentaries on it, or find folks with experience of it (like the above). You can't write what you do not know, and can botch it if you try without putting in the effort. It's hard graft at times, but the best thing to do is try and look at it in a positive light - seeing it as an opportunity to learn new things and expand your horizons. I found a new appreciation for simply learning stuff since I tried creative writing, and haven't stopped since. It can also lead you to new ideas and plot threads you would've never thought of before.
I'm confused why you are concerned with portraying PTSD the way that humans go through it if your character is non-human? Dogs get PTSD too, but they don't experience it the same way that we do.
This creature is slightly more intelligent than the average human, so he has similar symptoms. Honestly, I just want to make the character more relatable to the audience.
I get that, PTSD will effect any character in a different way and how they handled it will also be effect by their personality. I'm not willing to open up my personal experience or characters in open forum, but if you want, send me a PM and we can talk characters.
