I read a lot for pleasure, but I also love to learn how to become a better writer by focusing on what amazing authors do right. Like, when I recently re-read NINETEEN MINUTES by Jodi Picoult, I asked myself Why does this work so well?
(For more writing lessons learned from NINETEEN MINUTES, click here)
Why did this book work so well? It's tough to sum it all up, but I'd say it was conflicting story goals. In Plot & Structure, James Scott Bell reminds us to not only create conflict, but to create character goals that conflict with each other. Picoult does this brilliantly. How? She embeds conflict into who the characters are.
Hang with me a bit while I mind-map these conflicting character goals from NINETEEN MINUTES:
Character: Peter Houghton
Teen boy/outcast/bullying victim/school shooter
Story goal: stop the torment
Character: Lacy Houghton
Midwife/prenatal counselor/mother of shooter
Story goal: protect her son
Character: Josie Cormier
Teen girl/former outcast turned popular/former best friend to shooter
Story goal: to fit in
Character: Alex Cormier
Small town judge/single mother to teen daughter, Josie
Story goals: protect her daughter; be a good judge
Character: Patrick DuCharme
Single man/small town detective
Story goals: protect his small town, solve the case, bring healing through justice
- The shooter experienced torment every day at school. He just wanted it to stop. Speaking up to authorities only made the bullying worse.
- The mother of the shooter and the mother of the victim, both trying to protect their children. One's a judge who must follow the law. The shooter's mother counsels other parents on how to raise their children.
- The former outcast and friend of the shooter became popular. She used to protect him from bullies, but now she's a silent bystander. Associating with him would damage her need to fit in, but the nuggets of early friendship remain.
- The small town detective often feels like he's too late to save anyone. Justice isn't always within his control. He must discover and unveil the truth, no matter how ugly it is.
What do you think of these character notes? Do you ever pick apart a story and characters to figure out why they work so well? Do you struggle to add organic conflict? If you're good at it, please share your own tips!
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I remember reading this book, it's great and I loved the conflicting goals. Thanks for outlining them and making us see how it can help our writing!
ReplyDeleteFida, it's my pleasure! It's nice to chat with another Picoult fan!
DeleteI'm reading a how-to book that said to break down and analyze books you admire. I can see how it can help seeing you actually do it.
ReplyDeleteOooh, good to know, Theresa. I just totally admire authors who do this so well.
DeleteI can't decide if I want to read this one. I have a 50% batting average with Jodi Piccoult.
ReplyDeleteBeth, I hear ya. Some I love more than others. This is one of my faves. If you do read it, I'm curious what you think!
DeleteI think you did a fantastic job of breaking this down. And I love Plot and Structure.
ReplyDeleteNatalie, I swear, I re-read Plot & Structure before I plot each new book. I learn new stuff each time!
DeleteI have been missing in Action, but so glad I came back in time to read this. I love it. You should really be a writing teacher. Love your lessons!
ReplyDeleteKarlene! Nice to "see" you again! Thanks for your kind words. Now the trick is for me to apply these lessons :)
DeleteI love every Picoult book I've read, but I haven't read this one yet. I need to remedy that situation asap.
ReplyDeleteI've never done a character break-down like you did, but I can see how it would be very helpful. Kinda like reverse engineering a book to see what makes it tick so beautifully.
Reverse engineering! Love that! I'm curious what you'll think of this book. It's one of my favorites.
DeleteI mull characters in my head while and after I read to dissect their motivations and choices. I love the way you write it down. I will be stealing your method.
ReplyDeleteLeslie, I know I need to work more on the organic conflict when creating characters. I thought I was doing ok until I read a book like this and think, dang, she's so good at this!
DeleteI'm so bad at analyzing stuff... my brain doesn't work that way or something... Though I do know that I struggle to enjoy a book lately because it's either so wonderful I'm completely jealous or it's so awful I'm shocked it's published... so... yeah... LOL...
ReplyDelete!!!
(Oh---and great post!)
DeleteMorgan, it's funny because I didn't set out to analyze the book. But sometimes I just can't help myself! I'm so blown away by her writing, and I want to understand it better.
DeleteI think the popular student who used to be friends with the shooter sounds especially interesting; it'd be interesting to read her scenes with him. Losing a friend is very difficult, especially when you're a teenager.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right...that part of the story was the most complicated and heart-wrenching. Her scenes with the shooter, when they were children, made me fall in love with both of them. Even though he'd done something so horrible. Now THAT's master storytelling!
DeleteI started analyzing books I picked up to read just for enjoyment. Can't help it, must be the writer in me. I've learned so much doing this and it's made me a better writer. I still have a lot to learn. Nineteen Minutes is on my shopping list.
ReplyDeleteCatherine, like you, I have SO much to learn! It's cool that we can do this while also enjoying amazing books.
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