Wednesday, March 17, 2010

A Good Complication...

A good complication illuminates, thwarts, or alters the character's desire.


A good complication forces the character to act.


A good complication offers the story a point of departure.


A good complication raises the stakes.


A good complication thickens the plot.


~ Monica Wood, The Pocket Muse

6 comments:

  1. So very true - makes me feel better for torturing my characters :)

    How's the injury coming along?

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  2. Excellent points -- the line between good complications and gimmicks, though, can be quite blurry.

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  3. The "injury" is seeing a surgeon today and then has an appointment to see two other surgeons on Monday. I've just been in a holding pattern this past week because all the surgeons have been out for spring break. I just hope I pick the best one. Thanks for asking Jemi :)

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  4. Does "The Pocket Muse" live up to its title?

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  5. I like this! I'm in the midst of a new first draft- complications are good!

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