1. Kite2

    Kite2 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2014
    Messages:
    13
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Blackfoot, Idaho

    How to avoid a moment of denial

    Discussion in 'Plot Development' started by Kite2, Jul 14, 2014.

    In most modern novels there is a moment near the beginning where the main character ends up thrown into a large conflict, or a new and completely different world, or looses his parents or something like that. The purpose of that is to start him off on an adventure all on his own, or with a new group of friends that he meet soon after that moment. I personally hate this moment. It is filled with characters being overwhelmed by the turn of events, being overwhelmed and in denial and then coming to grips with it but the part that I hate is the denial part, or morso, I hate writing that part. It just doesn't feel right to me. So how can i kick my character off on his adventure without the denial? I've come up with a couple ideas but i'm not sure which one is best so can you please tell me which one you like more and why or give me another suggestion on how to do it.

    1. The main character runs away from home, this way he leaves his old family and friends without a moment of denial when the parents die or kick him out
    2. The main character lives in an orphanage and when he is to old he has to leave. Because when all orphans reach that age they go out on there own it is no surprise that he has to as well
    3. the book begins after his moment of denial and so you only hear about what happened to him when he explains it to someone, you don't see the denial
     
  2. Renee J

    Renee J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2013
    Messages:
    460
    Likes Received:
    220
    Location:
    Reston, VA
    I like number three. It gets to the meat of the story. And, since you don't like reading that kind of scene, you won't want to write one.
     
  3. Nilfiry

    Nilfiry Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2008
    Messages:
    708
    Likes Received:
    120
    Location:
    Eternal Stream
    That merely depends on the personality and beliefs of your character. There are real people that can easily accept sudden changes in their lives, no matter how drastic it is, without being overwhelmed. *points to myself* Adapting to the situation is a different matter.

    Perhaps your character has always wanted to leave, but could not or did not want to do so until an event forced his hands. In this case, it would be an opportunity for him, so he would naturally welcome it.
     
  4. PensiveQuill

    PensiveQuill Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2014
    Messages:
    355
    Likes Received:
    208
    Location:
    Australia
    Does your character necessarily need to go into denial? All the books I've read recently have been about characters born into stark adversity, so when more of it presents itself their survival instinct is triggered and they just get on with what needs to happen. Street smart characters are like that, they know their lives are always precarious and so they know when it's best to just clear out and save themselves too.
     

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