Essay and Tudors dress up Game

[puppeteergirl.livejournal.com]

Hey people! I recently was required to write an essay on what I think makes good writing. I was supposed to take a scene from a movie or book or a poem or song and use it as an example of good writing. So I chose a scene from the KoA. It was really fun, and I thought some of you dear people might enjoy reading my thoughts.

I also created a few characters from the series on Azaleas Dress up Dolls website in the Tudors game, which can be played here: http://www.azaleasdolls.com/tudors2.html

Yes, not the correct time period, but come on! You guys were doing my little pony (which was adorable, by the way). Anyway, create your own and share your creations with the group! (P.s. I added the character names by saving the file and opening it in paint).

Make Me Care

            I consider myself an avid, but very picky reader. I criticize everything: writing style, plot, the speed of the book, but what generally makes or breaks the book for me are the characters. No matter the subject, fiction or nonfiction (though, admittedly, I prefer novels), I am interested in how people are affected. This, of course, means I need to be interested in the people or characters. Andrew Stanton, a writer for Pixar, said, “The greatest commandment in storytelling is to make me care. We all know what it’s like to not care. When you flip through the channels on television, channel after channel, and suddenly when you stop on one. It’s the middle of the show, but something’s caught you, and you care. That’s not by chance, it’s by design.” Want my attention? Make me care.
            I think one of the best writers today is Megan Whalen Turner. Her work is not on the bestseller list, but in the area of character creation and complex plots, I consider her to be the master. Possibly my favorite work of hers is The King of Attolia, the third in a series of stand-alone novels set in a Byzantine-like civilization. Turner has a delightful knack of weaving her stories in such a way that while the reader thinks they know what is going on, they are surprised with an ending that makes them want to read the whole book again because of the different perspective that is given. I admit, however, the first time that I read a novel of hers I have trouble grasping the complex plot. I usually have to read the book at least twice to get a full grasp of the complicated storyline. What keeps me reading are the fabulous characters she creates to carry the story forward.

There are many methods of bringing a character to life. The first thing that is needed is a solid introduction to your character. Just as in real life, first impressions are important. At the beginning of The King of Attolia, we are introduced to the character Eugenides (the king) as a foolish young man who somehow forced the queen into a political marriage, and now spends his days goofing off. We judge him by his words and attitude, and you can’t deny he appears pretty irresponsible. The author does a great job setting us up to judge him in this way, but as it is in the world, the more you get to know a person, the better you understand them. As the story progresses we are shown that Eugenides is not what we first think; he is, in fact a brilliant, determined young man who truly wants what is best for his country, and will do everything he can to keep the country stable, secure and powerful. Turner uses introductions and impressions to put a personality in your mind and then subtly changes or reveals more about the character. Often you begin with one assumption, and end with a completely different understanding. This keeps me as a reader interested in the character, and also the book. 

Another ingredient I believe necessary to a strong character is sympathy. If I can sympathize with or relate to a character or a situation, I’m glued to the book. Interestingly enough, this idea also applies to memory; if you can associate something you need to remember with a past experience, you are more likely to recall the information later. So if you want to create a memorable piece of writing, make it relevant.
In The King of Attolia, the unpopular king jokes about an awkward situation to his unfriendly attendants, and only the main character briefly sympathizes with him: Costis. But then Costis immediately distances himself from the king by ignoring his friendly smile. As a reader, you begin to sympathize with the friendless king, even though the main character rejects showing him any friendship or support. This struggle draws me is as a reader, and I feel compassion for the king, who is basically the unpopular “new kid”.  I can sympathize with him, as I have had past experience of rejection by a social group (as most people have). The reader might also sympathize with Costis, who feels pressured to go along with the majority in the unfair rejection of the shunned king.

Another way to get an audience to feel connected to a character is to let them figure out part of the puzzle. Megan Whalen Turner writes the events as they would happen in the real world. You are not always privy to the hidden motives or feelings of a character, but you can often deduce them from their actions. I’ve read this series of books at least three times and recently realized the meaning of an event that happens in The King of Attolia.
When the king orders Costis to remove his seal ring (which he himself cannot do due to his missing right hand), I think this is more than just a desire not to wear jewelry. He wants the ring removed because it is a symbol of his duties as king. During the course of the story, we discover that Eugenides is having a difficult time taking to his new role as king. All his life he has worked alone and in secret, and suddenly his every move is watched by dozens of people every day. When he removes the ring, I believe he is setting aside, for just a few moments, the responsibilities and pressures of the ruler.
Rather than explain the reasoning behind the action, Turner simply states that the ring is removed for the few minutes the king wants to himself. She has essentially asked the reader, “Two plus what equals four?”, and left us to figure out the missing piece. I love it when an author knows that the readers have brains and I get to figure out part of the story. This allows me to discover the motivations and feelings of a character, and also compels me to pay attention to what I’m reading.

I’m sure there are many other ways to bring a character to life, but these are the ones I appreciate the most when I’m reading. Whether these methods are used or others like them, the fact is I want to feel invested in the story. Give me someone to care about and make them come alive. Help me identify with a situation, and I will be concerned about it. Want my attention? Make me care.

 

The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner – Pages 63-71