Characters

           We all have our favorite television shows and films. We also have ones we regret giving our time and sometimes money to as well. With that said, what drives our enjoyment and dislike of certain elements of pop culture? There are many aspects that drive these emotions, so let's dive into just one of them for today, characters. In every book, film, television show, or stage play, the characters, besides the plot, often make or break the story. But, there's something else the characters do. They make the audience wish for a specific outcome, be it for them or against them. Why is this?

             Because these characters tap into the deepest parts of our subconscious. They show us a visual of ourselves we're not even aware of. Once they have tapped into this, it causes us to send certain emotions into overdrive. Other times, we are very aware of why we like or dislike a character. For example, majority of people liked Herman Boone (the football coach portrayed by Denzel Washington in Remember the Titans). They liked him because he represented a strong black male figure during a time where odds were heavily stacked against people of color in America, especially below the Mason-Dixon line. Seeing a black man on screen perform a role where he is in charge of something other than a gang or drug ring stirs the subconsciousness of many people of color to feel good about themselves. They wanted to root for him to have the undefeated season and win the state championship.

             On the other hand, let's take a character lacking in likability. "Andrea" Sanaa Lathan's character in "The Family that preys." As a disloyal, conniving, and overall terrible wife, you'll be hard pressed to find many people who have seen the film rooting for her to triumph. *spoiler alert* Some folks (including women) are even happy when Kenny Chadway from Soul Food (Rockmond Dunbar) slaps the hell outta her for utterly dishonoring him. Her character strikes a chord on anyone who has been dragged through the ringer by a significant other and makes audience members want to see her suffer. So, when creating characters for a book or film, it's always a great idea to have a set of likable and unlikable.

               This is where the conflict comes in. This is where the viewer gets the chance to pick a side and almost feel like they are part of the story (Don't take that too literally as these are works of fiction we're talking about here, LOL). If every character was a "good guy" or a "bad guy," the audience wouldn't have any reason to pull for a side. In essence, your story can possibly become boring because there's no desirable outcome. It doesn't necessarily matter who you allow to triumph in your stories, be it the good or the bad side. Just make sure these characters are designed in a way that forces them to meet head on like two Alpha lions fighting over control of a pride. Well, that's enough for today. Let me get back to my other job with Tommy Strawn. Until then, may the Lord's peace be with you.