I think I may be on the right track now with BG3. See, it’s a conflict thing.
As you read a book, the whole thing is about conflict, although that seems too harsh a word but it is the one “They” use. Friction, perhaps, but that might raise a few eyebrows. Angst, maybe.
Where was I?
Yes, conflict. The point of a novel is to reach a goal or not reach the goal. The point is the journey toward that goal whether the goal is getting the girl or finding the killer or eliminating Thread. Along the way there are small and large conflicts, little obstacles or side-tracks along the way. When looking for the killer, there’s that constant “Who done it??” conflict but there’s also such things as dark alleys, blondes wearing stillettos, and a whiskey bottle or two or ten. To reach the goal (the end of the book) the characters must deal with these conflicts as they go along. Avoidance is dealing with one too. (don’t I know it!!)
Let’s look at the movie Serenity. Here’s the conflicts:
- Mal vs Jayne
- River vs the rest
- River vs the Feds
- The Feds vs the crew
- The Reevers vs all other living creatures within their reach
- River vs sanity
- Zoe vs Wash
The list goes on. Some of the conflicts are good, some are not. All are little hot coals the characters must dance on as they work toward their goal. (curse you, Joss Whedon!)
My two MCs in BG3 needed a BIG conflict. You know, the thing that can swing the characters one way or another. Will the detective survive the shoot out with the blonde? It is almost like the big “AHA!” or the “Will I or won’t I?” question that must be answered. In romance, it might be when one of the characters realizes “OMG! I’m, like, you know, in love!”
They have plenty of conflict between them. They seem to be arguing all the time. Little things that make sparks fly.
Liz felt the sting of the words. “Perhaps you are. Never mind. I don’t know what I was thinking. You are too barbaric to be that creative.”
“Barbaric? Now, see here–”
“What? Aren’t you? You were the one who said you were too rough and manly.”
“No, you said I was emulating a man. You started this.”
“Yes, I did. How many months ago was that? How many times have I tried to take those words back?”
“Not nearly enough.”
But what I needed (and may still need) is a Thing that tilts the scales. In this case, it was some way to make Harri vulnerable, something Liz needs to watch and learn from. Harri’s so in control, so confident. What would it take? I was looking for something non-medical (although there’s nothing like an illness to bring out the worst and best in people) and I think I have found it. I think.
I did more thinking today than writing. I have to do some editing to make it fit which means I may be writing new words but I am losing even more. ‘Tis the life and labor of a writer, I reckon.