JoHoTo #7 Foreshadowing & Conflict Development, Part Two
Last time we talked about foreshadowing, what it entails, and its purpose...or rather, one of its purposes, which is to create a plausible ending.
But foreshadowing is also necessary for realistic conflict development.
Think about it. When was the last time someone walked up to you on the street and punched you for no good reason?
You must have done something to get them riled up, and while you hold the icepack to your face, you ponder what it could have been.
The same is true for the characters in our stories. We shouldn't just have two characters battle it out at the end unless we've seen a good enough reason
for them to get to that point.
For example, when Draco Malfoy first met Harry Potter, he offered to be friends. Obviously, we know they ended up being bitter rivals throughout the series.
Why?
"And my name's Malfoy. Draco Malfoy."
Ron gave a slight cough that might have been hiding a snigger. Draco Malfoy looked at him.
"Think my name's funny, do you? No need to ask who you are. My father told me all the Weasleys have red hair, freckles, and more children than they can
afford."
He turned back to Harry. "You'll soon find out some wizarding families are better than others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong
sort. I can help you there."
He held out his hand to shake Harry's, but Harry didn't take it.
"I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks," he said coolly.
This interaction is just the beginning of a conflict that continues to develop throughout the series.
AND it should be noted that one interaction does not a solid conflict make. Just as with continual foreshadowing to reach a plausible ending, you must
continually point out the dissonance between your characters.
How?
1. Actions: Two kids race for the last carton of chocolate milk, and one of them trips the other so he can get to it first.
2. Dialogue: The kid who gets tripped tells the other kid, "Enjoy it now. The next time I see you, it's going to be your blood you're
drinking."
3. Thoughts: The kid who got the chocolate milk leaves the store, wondering if the other kid was serious and if he should have just given him the chocolate
milk.
4. Atmosphere: The next time the kids meet, the air feels stiff with terror, and it's so quiet, you could hear a pin drop.
P.S. When I say continual, I don't mean every other page, one of your characters tells the other, "You're dead!"
I mean the occasional run-in at the lockers, maybe a worried conversation with a friend, etc.
Good conflict development not only creates a stronger story arc, it also:
-Creates stronger characters. Their actions and thoughts about each other, as well as how they handle the rising conflict, tells us so much about them.
-Creates affinity for those characters. Everyone chooses sides, whether it be for good or evil. As your characters pick each other apart and badmouth each
other, your audience will favor one character over the other. This is good, as it means your audience is taking a vested interest in the story.
-Creates anticipation. With a vested interest, your audience should be on the edge of their seats waiting for the final smackdown. This breeds the words
all writers love to hear..."What happens next?"
So, ask yourself...Did I do enough to bring about this conflict? Will people CARE about this conflict? Will they be rooting for one character or the other
to win?
Move on to JoHoTo #8!
For JoHoTos (Step-By-Steps on the Writing Process), click here
For Writers Wonder, click here
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