Discover the powerful connection between character reactions and emotional resonance in storytelling. Learn how reactions enhance engagement and convey thoughts, creating a deeper experience for readers. Explore examples from films and theater, showcasing the importance of consistent motivations and actions. Delve into how adapting plots to fit character-driven responses can elevate authenticity and tension. Plus, tackle a creative assignment to flip character reactions for fresh narrative possibilities!
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insights INSIGHT
Reaction is Key
Reaction is crucial for conveying emotions and impact in writing and on stage.
Showing a character's reactions reveals their thoughts and feelings, allowing the audience to connect.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Show the Impact
Show the impact of actions, both physical and emotional, by portraying the character's reaction.
Slowing down action scenes can be useful for adding impact.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Relatable Reactions
Jackie Chan's fight scenes use relatable reactions, like bumping into things, to resonate with the audience.
This familiarity enhances the audience's connection with the character.
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What do emotional beats and action scenes have in common? Well, they both need to land with your audience in order for your story not to fall flat. On today’s episode, we’re talking about the importance of reaction. Everything from portraying your characters’ reactions to letting readers sit with—and witness— these reactions. The actions that a character takes—or doesn’t take— as a part of their reaction let the audience know what they are thinking and feeling. And this lets the audience react alongside the character, even if they haven’t experienced (in their own life) what just happened to the character. We’ll give you tips and tricks for building this level of resonance between your characters and readers.
Homework: Look at one of your characters’ reactions and flip it. If they take an action that escalates a situation, how would that scene play if their reaction de-escalated the situation? Can you still get to the end point that you want?
P.S. Want to come write with us in 2025?! Our retreat registration is open, and we are starting to fill up! We are going to unlock our creative processes in Minnesota and explore Story Refinement as we cruise down the Mexican Riviera! Learn more here.
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Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, Dan Wells, Dongwon Song, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.
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