Do your characters take it smooth…or like Tina Turner, do they like it rough?
I’m not talking about rock music or whatever your dirty mind conjured just now. In this context, smooth and rough relate to how your protagonist takes their life lessons. Does your hero listen to the voice of reason or quiet warning signs? Or does your hero need the emotional equivalent of a 2×4 across his head to get the message?
Dramatic writing requires uninhibited use of the 2×4. Generally, your story will drag if your protagonist always heeds the advice of friends or obeys all the traffic signals, thereby avoiding the consequences of stunted thinking or bad choices.
However, there’s also power in the small moments. A simple glance, suggestion, or symbol can drive home a message as well as a big traumatic event, and sometimes do it better.
Even big blockbuster genre movies use this message. In last year’s The Batman (Now on streaming!), Robert Pattinson’s Bruce/Batman obsessively focuses on his superhero mission to the detriment of other avenues, ignoring all relevant advice. Despite the plethora of explosions and butt-kicking throughout the movie, a quieter moment near the end of the movie gives the character his biggest lesson. Mild spoiler ahead…
Near the end of the film, when the Big Bad had triggered his Master Plan, the Batman attempts to rescue some civilians. However, because of the Batman has spend 2 hours nurturing his reputation for fear and violence, the people who need rescuing pull away from his helping hand. With one brief moment, Bruce realizes that he’s creating fear in the very people he’s wanted to help and protect, and that his reputation hinders his mission.
I won’t often cite to a superhero movie to make a point about characterization or character growth, anymore than I’d mention cotton candy when discussing healthy nutrition. However, I like this example, because it shows that even a big goofy superhero movie with all the punching and the blowing-things-up can convey theme and characterization in half a minute and without any dialogue.
When you’re writing, you’ll need that 2×4 to keep your protagonist – and your readers – on their toes. However, don’t forget that you have simpler solutions in your arsenal for teaching lessons.