Paradigm Shift
Ever heard of this?
It's basically when everything you think you know, changes. The transformation is usually brought about by specific agents of change (got that term from the article it's linked to; worth reading).
A friend recently told me she didn't think I was an introvert.
That was my agent of change. Me? Not an introvert? I've lived with this image of myself from high school and until my friend said something, I didn't realize how I've changed.
I'm still quiet. I'm still somewhat a loner who gets exhausted after any social event. But I also like to get out and laugh loud. Her comment completely transformed the way I view myself. It surprised me.
In writing, our main characters need to have a paradigm shift. Either at the beginning of the story, in which the character's new view leads to the story taking its path, or at the end, in which the character's shift resolves the story.
Where else do you think paradigm shifts happen in a book? Do you think they're important to the character arc? Have you ever believed something about yourself, only to discover your belief was false or distorted?
It's basically when everything you think you know, changes. The transformation is usually brought about by specific agents of change (got that term from the article it's linked to; worth reading).
A friend recently told me she didn't think I was an introvert.
That was my agent of change. Me? Not an introvert? I've lived with this image of myself from high school and until my friend said something, I didn't realize how I've changed.
I'm still quiet. I'm still somewhat a loner who gets exhausted after any social event. But I also like to get out and laugh loud. Her comment completely transformed the way I view myself. It surprised me.
In writing, our main characters need to have a paradigm shift. Either at the beginning of the story, in which the character's new view leads to the story taking its path, or at the end, in which the character's shift resolves the story.
Where else do you think paradigm shifts happen in a book? Do you think they're important to the character arc? Have you ever believed something about yourself, only to discover your belief was false or distorted?
Comments
Do you suppose God, so gracious and kind, gave you a paradigm shift not only as a personal favor, but so you could write about it? He is so sweet.
Jen
Audience of ONE
In highschool, I took this elective...I can't remember what it was called. It was everybody's fav class. Anyway, one of the activities was to get in groups of eight, and on a scrap of paper, write one word to describe each person in your group, and give it to the person. Obviously, you couldn't write a mean word.
Two out of seven people wrote "Confident" on mine. Huh? Me? Confident? I had no idea, because most of the time I feel very unconfidant...if that's a word. Some of the others were ahtletic, nice, outgoing, and funny. It was a cool exercise. :) Obviously, since I still remember it and it was ten years ago!
It's great that they saw you as confident. That's an excellent trait to have! Even if you don't always feel it. :-)
I can relate to your feelings about introversion. I've always been an introvert. I need time alone, crave hours to myself, and get worn out with too much socializing. However, I'm very successful at being social, so people don't see me as an introvert!
I've seen your name around the blogs and finally checked yours out. Terrific stuff! Look forward to coming back.
Yes, there have been times I've believed something about myself that was distorted, specifically when I struggled with an eating disorder in college. Sometimes what we believe can be entirely false (and distructive). It's an awesome thing when we are able to change and become free of those false views.
Interesting post!
I have always been shy, but have been forced to be in the forefront as a minister's wife. In my heart, I will always be shy, but outwardly I have grown into a more confident person.
Great post! Short and succinct!
That's interesting. And a very good point, that event in the book should always be leading up to this.
I've seen your name too. :-) Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
I agree, it is awesome in life when we can overcome something. Kudos to you for recognizing that distortion.
I like it when characters rise above stuff too. Makes me want to whoop. LOL
That would be tough to be in the forefront. I can't imagine. It's nice that you've learned how to overcome the shyness though.
Yes, I was fascinated when I first learned about paradigm shifts.
I think so. I'm not sure. According to that website it's a series of events that lead up to the shift.
I'm sure your heroine is fine. It's women's fiction, right? Which is all about the heroine's journey of growth, so you're probably right on with your character arc.
Great blog topic!
I really wonder how many writers do see themselves as introverts? It's not that we don't like to be around other people ... it's just that we're most at ease and content when we're quietly doing things on our own. And it's a good thing, considering how much alone time writing demands. I think your average joe would go NUTS being in that little creative box that constitutes writing a book.
And I agree wholeheartedly, ever character worth their salt is flawed and working out those flaws through things that happen in the book. At the end, they should reach some major personal growth.
Oh, and congrats on your own personal growth! :-) Not to mention that fabulous progress on your revisions up there on your word count widget. When do I get to read the rewrite?
The transformation a character goes through is usually called the character arc. But I almost think it could be called this too.
I may have been wrong about you. Extroverts are energized by socialization. Introverts get tired by it. :-)
So it's possible to be an out-going introvert, I think. LOL
I've actually never heard of the character's growth referred to a paradigm shift. I could be wrong to use it that way, but right now it seems to fit. *grin*
The word I hear most often is character arc. :-)
You're right. A non-writer would not like to spend their life immersed in writing a book. :-)
Good for you! A static character is no fun. I'm not surprised that you're already doing it. :-)
See, you never cease to amaze me with how you get me thinking!!
Can't wait to meet this introvert gone extrovert or semi-extrovert at ACFW!!!!!
Yes, the spiritual thread, imo, is SO important.
Re your question, all the time. :D One is never to old to have their paradigm shift. :D
I think those paradigm shifts are important to a character's arc, if by the end of a story the character doesn't come to see themselves or life in a slightly different way then what was the story really about?
Next time you are angry, instead of saying "I'm mad" say "I'm agitated" and see how you come down a notch or two. Then say "I'm energized" and see if that doesn't change your mood even more. Say it with conviction for it to work.
I used to think I could be a perfect mother. Thought I had all the answers to all the questions and would raise my children with relative ease.
Then I had them.
And, believe me, my paradigm shifted.
BIG TIME!!!
*grin*
I think characters need paradigm shifts in the way the view their relationships. They may gain an appreciation for a prickly inlaw or realize a grouchy old man is really a sweetheart underneath that exterior.
It's amazing how putting I Corinth. 13 (the love chapter) into practice will change your views of others and their view of you.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I think that most of my characters have their shifts near the climax of the story. I like when it happens that way--You get the character "shift" climax as well as the story one--so it's a double scoop(that's ALWAYS good!).
I'm so glad u mentioned this topic tho- I hadn't actually heard of the term before, but now I can identify it and check that it's fully formed! Many THANKS for that!!
:)
No, we're never too old for that. :-)
I like that you're working on making your mc's shift believable. A good book can be ruined by a too quick turnaround. :-)
It definitely is the kiddos. When I worked I didn't need to get out because I was around people all day. I valued my quiet when I got home. But now I'm home all day so to get out with real, live adults is a treat! LOL
I love, love what you said in your last line. You are completely right.
What an interesting concept! The next time one of my kids make me mad, I'm going to say, "I'm a trifle annoyed."
LOL! I totally believe this would work.
I agree. Seeing others with love can completely change how we behave.
That's always happening to me. So annoying. :-)
That's so interesting. A secret introvert. :-) I hear you on the new schools, I went to several but I never got the hang of being interesting. :-)
No, they're not always so pleasant.