How well do you know the characters in your novel?
This is a question every novelist ponders over and over again.
What motivates the heroine?
What motivates the hero?
As every author knows, what motivates a character is never the same as the last novel or a future novel, nor is it what motivates the author (that would be too simple).
Characters are independent and decidedly stubborn. You can't force them to change simply because it would make your life simpler.
No, your heroine and hero are running the show. And the author is not sleeping at night, drinking coffee all day, and surviving on whatever leftovers are in the fridge or canned goods in the pantry. And fashion is no longer a consideration for the author because she is entrenched in research. 📚🔎🔏
This brings us to the classic story: Cinderella has survived for centuries.
"The Little Glass Slipper" is a folk tale. The story of Rhodopis was recounted by the Greek geographer Strabo (between 7 BC and AD 23). And numerous other versions came into existence. However, in 1697 Charles Perrault published the French version. This is the story most widely known today.
Now back to motivation.
Cinderella's motivations are not set upon looking for a prince. Cinderella wants to wear a dress (and shoes), get a night off, and enjoy an evening of dancing!
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| The painting in my office 👠 |
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| Chanel dressed in her princess finery |
What motivates our Prince Charming?
Prince Charming is not a hero. He doesn't fight anyone, he faces no danger (at least at the Ball). We simply see him as a well-dressed man using a glass shoe to interview a unmarried women in the kingdom as a potential wife.
Let's not be too hard on the guy. He is a man of his word. Is he role model for young boys? Perhaps. He carries a sword, is physically fit, honorable and is respected by his subjects.
The Happily Ever After 💕💕
Cinderella is a strong character. She is honorable. How she deals with her never-ending abuse (displaying self-compassion), and how, in fact, she saves herself in the end.
Happy Reading!
Connie
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Delightful take on motivations. Let's hear a cheer for the good guy.
ReplyDeleteYay for strong heroines and brave heroes. Just in passing, the original Perrault tale was somewhat gruesome, as the evil sisters amputated their toes with scissors to fit in the shoe. And the "glass" slipper is a mistranslation. From the French "verre" glass, and "vair" a material commonly used to make shoes in the 17th Century. It shows how fairytales evolve over time. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Connie. The characters 'write themselves!'
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