Bringing Characters to Life with Emotional Truths and Archetypes
My mother had a unique approach to introducing me and my sisters to the world of storytelling through film. We dissected stories, analyzed characters, and learned to view narratives from different character perspectives. This early exposure left a lasting mark on my writing style.
I’m continually fascinated by the intricate process of character development. It’s not just about creating a figure who plays a role in a story. It’s about breathing life into them, making them real and relatable. If the characters are real to me, they will be real to the reader. This is where the concepts of emotional truth and character archetypes become essential.
What is Emotional Truth?
Emotional truth refers to the genuine feelings and internal experiences of an individual. It’s deeply personal and subjective, shaped by one’s emotions, experiences, and personal beliefs. In storytelling, each character brings their unique set of emotional truths, influenced by their past, desires, fears, and expectations. This guides their perceptions, reactions, and interactions, making them feel authentic and genuine.
When we delve into a character’s emotional truth, we create nuanced, relatable, and realistic portrayals. It’s not just about their actions in the plot but also about…