Getting a character to there from here

Evolution of a character —

We see that some of the most enduring stories feature a character that goes through changes. At the beginning of the story the character has a certain perspective. Think of Mr. Ebeneezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ 1843 novel,  A Christmas Carol. He has disdain for everyone and a narrow, bitter life. By the end of the story Scrooge has had his life transformed by scary experiences with the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, and has opened his heart to the people around him.

To bring more heart and depth to your story, plan out how your character might change. Change to what condition? Are there events and situations  that could shift the character’s attitude toward another person, or some limitation, or toward  life in general? Which interpersonal relationships might lead to a change of heart in the character? Troubled waters lie ahead! See http://www.writermanna.com/blog/2013/01/10/trivia-and-substance/ to get more ideas, and try the writing prompt below.

Writing prompt — Use your own experience to guide your creative decisions about this. Try a paper and pencil session to work up a little plan, with arrows and boxes in a flow chart format (optional). Then it’s back to your writing machine to draft up some key scenes that will lead your character eventually to a better place, or at least a different place, compared to where he/she started.

— Manna is everywhere! —