You’ve observed and reported. You’ve interpreted. You’ve brought another character’s reactions into the story. With step four, we dive into plot.
Step four: Discuss the consequences of the behavior.
As I mentioned yesterday, characters and their behaviors don’t exist in a vacuum. As in the real world, their actions have consequences, and those become part of your plot. Based on the people who have observed and your assumptions about their state of mind and other people, what consequences might they expect?
- He slammed the car door and she assumed he was angry. She was concerned, because they had been arguing a lot lately. She didn’t know if he was still mad at her. She avoided talking to him when he was angry, and would give him the silent treatment until he calmed down.
- Her brow was furrowed and he assumed she was concerned about something. He felt inadequate because she hadn’t asked for his help and worried that she had someone else to turn to. He would try harder to get her to notice him.
- He glanced behind himself repeatedly and she assumed he was worried about being followed. She felt afraid, because he’d been secretive about some trouble he’d been having. This made her feel protective, so she trailed him.
- Her fingers tapped non-stop on the tabletop and he assumed she was impatient. He felt angry, because he wanted to enjoy the moment without rushing. He had started to avoid her and preferred going out alone.
As you see in these (hastily and not well thought-out) examples, consequences can be emotions or action. A character may feel protective or annoyed, or may decide to pursue or withdraw. And these actions too should draw reactions from the protagonist. Like a high stakes tennis game, your characters should volley actions and consequences at each other, until one drops.