Character Purpose

Posted on 03 November 2009

Administrivia: yes, no story this 1st.  Been super busy.  Gunning for the 16th.

“Purpose is that little flame that lights a fire under your ass”
Princeton, Avenue Q

Purpose in writing is a multiple level idea.  I’ll ramble about the meta-writing later, and right now just focus on character purpose.  Now, I feel like I’m repeating myself, perhaps from back in the stakes post, and perhaps I’ve just rambled to poor people who sit next to me at the bar, I don’t know, but I think it goes without saying that every characters needs a purpose.

Well, I guess that is a lie.  It is more that each and every characters needs a sense of purpose.  I’m sure I’ve said it before (and if not, what’s wrong with me?): every character is the hero of their own story.  Even if they are just a spear carrier, in a fully developed world and story, that character has their own story they are trying to live.  Alas for them, they don’t always know what it is, though.

Fortunately, we the writers have the power to give them that purpose via plot or conception.  Now, some may say this is too much work.  Why should I care when I’m writing if spear carrier Bob has two kids, a wife, and likes nachos.  I’m just going to kill him in two pages anyway! SPLAT!

OK, that was a little extreme, but still, I can see where it can be contrived to try and deduce purpose for every little bit part that walks on the stage.  But, I will argue (just watch me) that the more purpose you know, the easier it is to write.  No, you don’t need to know the wife/kids/cheese thing, but just knowing why that character is there on the stage, even if it’s a “duh” reason, helps.  Why did Bob pick up the spear?  Is he a good carrier?  Did he want to pick it up?  Was he conscripted?  Is he just pulling his 9-5, or is he a die-hard?  Knowing these things really helps me (and I’d imagine a lot of writers) conceptualize the scene and know where it’s going.  So nyah! Learn your purposes.

And, also, consciously thinking about these things makes sure you don’t accidently make a villain or hero that is acting without reason beyond Authorial Fait, and anything to prevent that hideous and show-stopping trait (which I have sadly seen in far too many novels) is worth it, even if it does turn out to be a little more work.  Little effort for great effect, yo.