“YOU LEAD, I’LL FOLLOW”
Character-Driven
POV
To non-writers, what I’m about to
say will sound strange, if not a bit crazy, but okay, here goes. Most writers
or creative individuals experience vivid images, whether awake or asleep. At
least I do, and sometimes they see faces and hear voices not associated with
mental illness. And which most times develop into a story.
Also,
once this happens and the creative juices flow freely, characters are born.
These characters come equipped with personalities, egos, and voices that often
speak directly to the writer and an exciting cast of players.
Thus,
a character-driven POV directs the story’s tone, dictates what each word,
paragraph, chapter, and other character development will become.
A
character-driven POV is just that and focuses more on character development,
such
as the protagonists, antagonists, love interests, and the overall solidity of
all characters.
Now,
I understand the argument of character-driven POV versus plot-driven POV also
the different headings assigned to each. In my opinion, neither outweighs the other.
Still,
it enables the writer to derive a plot equally crucial to the character’s POV.
They
work together and are necessary. And once you understand how it all works to
form a well-defined story that requires less fine-tuning and more structure in
the end.
Whether
your story only consists of the main characters Pov or many, the trick is not
to overdevelop character Pov. Or, in other words, too many POVs. Which questions
how many or too many or not enough?
The best way to answer that question is if it confuses you to keep up with multiple POVs, then you have your answer—the easiest way to keep balance throughout the story arc.
How
important is a clear direction? Significantly, no matter if your Pov is character-driven
or plot-driven, the goal is to use your characters to lead a worthwhile journey
the writer won’t mind following.
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