Outtakes 72

What a Character

By Cait Collins

 Sometimes it seems my stories are flat. My main characters work, but there’s a presence lurking in the shadows. It’s a being that is not living, but whose influence is felt. I encountered this situation with Miss Lucille and Rance Phillips in my current work HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW. Miss Lucille dies in the early pages of the story. Rance has been gone for a number of years. Still these two people have pivotal roles in the story. They are definitely characters, but how can they contribute to the development of the tale?

Incorporating memories brings the character front and center. There are many things about her life in Harley, Texas, Kate wants to forget. But hearing the story of Miss Lucille’s “adoption” of Travis and Mike forces her to relive the day she came to live with her grandmother. Kate’s life had been bleak following her father’s death until her Grams takes over as guardian. Under the care of her grandmother, the young girl begins to grow and develop the characteristics that keep Kate strong even during the worst of times.

Letters and journals give glimpses into the deceased’s life. They provide back story and an eye witness account of the events that drive the story. Kate reads a letter from Rance Phillips, the antagonist’s father. Rance and Miss Lucille were an item, but the Texas gentleman viewed young Kate as a granddaughter. His letter reminds her of the day she bought him two scoops of vanilla ice cream. His words confirm an abiding love for her. The scene and the reactions of Kate, her son, and Dalton provide emotional impact for the reader.

One of my favorite scenes is the reading of Miss Lucille’s will.  This is no boring whereas and wherefore reading. The lady recorded her will. Imagine each heir hearing the voice and witnessing her expression as the deceased detailed each bequest. Each heir is left with no doubt as to Lucille Walker’s opinion of his or her character and the impact they had on her life.

Non-traditional characters can be tricky, but they may create some of the best drama in the story. Joe Nichols, one of my critique partners, is writing a novel about the rodeo circuit and an exceptional bronc. I love his seamless transition from the cowboy’s point of view regarding a ride to Trail’s End view of the event. By incorporating the horse’s thoughts and emotions, he makes the animal a major player in a promising first novel.

Non-traditional characters have the potential to spice up a story. Experimenting with various ways to bring these beings into the tale is a challenge, but it can be fun. Give it a try next time a scene lags. It could be just the fix you need.