G'Me Some of That Sweet Fruit!
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, self-control."
After thinking about moral premise for a bit, I decided that it has much less to do with the theme of a story, and more to do with the characters. Now I haven't taken the class or read any books on this, just Kern's post, so this is my own interpretation.
Part of moral premise is the virtue that absolutely defines your characters. Now, in reality many people are a little blurry when it comes to their own morality. Not to say we don't feel strongly about certain, and often different, morals but what I'm saying is that few of us are guided by one specific trait.
I think our characters should be though, and this is one of the things that will drive the story.
In my opinion, a main character should have a defining virtue. Does she thirst for justice in everything? Is he gentle to all? The list above is a great tool to pick out a single virtue to absolutely define and drive your character.
So, what virtue defines your main character? Have you ever met someone who seemed to be the epitome of patience? Do you know someone who always seems to have a kind word? How can we use a single virtue to create a rounded character and influence every aspect of the MC's life?
After thinking about moral premise for a bit, I decided that it has much less to do with the theme of a story, and more to do with the characters. Now I haven't taken the class or read any books on this, just Kern's post, so this is my own interpretation.
Part of moral premise is the virtue that absolutely defines your characters. Now, in reality many people are a little blurry when it comes to their own morality. Not to say we don't feel strongly about certain, and often different, morals but what I'm saying is that few of us are guided by one specific trait.
I think our characters should be though, and this is one of the things that will drive the story.
In my opinion, a main character should have a defining virtue. Does she thirst for justice in everything? Is he gentle to all? The list above is a great tool to pick out a single virtue to absolutely define and drive your character.
So, what virtue defines your main character? Have you ever met someone who seemed to be the epitome of patience? Do you know someone who always seems to have a kind word? How can we use a single virtue to create a rounded character and influence every aspect of the MC's life?
Comments
Thanks for the idea :)
I've always looked at the moral premise as a universal truth, but perhaps I need to narrow it down now.
I was applying what you say to my MCs in my WIP, and where I know my hero's virtue is gentleness/kindness, I'm trying to think of my heroine's. I think hers is loyalty (very loyal to her nieces and brother) but that's not listed above as a virtue, although I consider it one.
This is such a great way to rein in those characters and make sure they have redeeming qualities so the reader can sympathize with them!
Thanks for the inisights!
Wish I could say I thought this up myself, but I'm going to take Natasha Kern's Vice and Virtue class, so I've been daydreaming about what it might mean.
So far this is what I think, but after I take the class I'll let you all know what I learned.
Thanks for commenting. :-)
~ Wendy
Hi Eileen, I do think it's more than just the universal truth to our stories. You're right, I really do think this helps to solidify a character in the reader's mind.
Hey Anita! Thanks for the compliments. You might be biased though. Double Heh. :-)
I think you nailed it on your characters. The above is a quote from the bible. I'd agree that loyalty is a huge virtue. Isn't it the same as faithfulness? :-)
Loved this post!
I remember those days well...
Hey Jill,
Interesting about embracing it. I hadn't even thought about the characters accepting this part of themselves, or it contrasting with their worldview. Interesting!
Well... since my main character is me, I'd say I am driven by impatience, nuttiness and a quest for the finest coffee and chocolate I can get my grubby little paws on! But those aren't fruits of the Sprit, are they?
I have to choose joy as my #1 trait. I love to smile and laugh and try to make others laugh. It's a challenge to meet a sourpants and get them to grin.
Don't worry, we're going to get into vices. Snort!
My MC always seems to be struggling with this issue. My supporting characters appear to have found theirs and in some way teach my MC to find hers.
For my current WIP
Heroine: peace
Hero: self-control
I think....
Now, don't take my word that there should only be one. :-) I've just been percolating over all of this and thought I'd share my thoughts.
I love reading about your characters too!
Not too long ago, I read a book with characters I didn't like at all. It took almost the entire book for any change to occur.
The one character found herself in dire trouble, and it was all I could do to muster up enough interest to hope she escaped.
I don't know if this has more to do with producing likable characters or the moral of a story. Perhaps, it's a little of both.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I didn't review this book because I couldn't recommend it.
Susan
--
glovin
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So the characters didn't have that good quality to make you believe in them? Obviously they had bad enough qualities, or maybe they just were too bland? I'm sorry you didn't like that book. It's always a disappointment to end with no satisfaction.
It was nice of you to not review it. :-)
Thanks for stopping by! ;-)
It's an interesting thought right? Thanks for popping by. :-)
Yep, I think that's the formula!
:-)