Have you ever noticed how some people experience emotion outwardly, and others inwardly?
I noticed this most recently as a parent, supporting my son and daughter through important exams. One of them took exams as cool as a cucumber, the other almost threw up with nerves, though I knew both of them felt the pressure equally.
It brought back memories of taking exams myself. I was an inwards-emotion person. I didn’t get nauseous or have nose bleeds. I didn’t get sweaty hands or a tight abdomen. I was a little shaky as I walked into the exam room, but otherwise displayed no obvious outward signs of stress.
I’m the same today. Few people will know if I’m experiencing stress unless I tell them, which can have its advantages and disadvantages. Sometimes I might not even know myself, until my body tells me!
But this makes writing stressed-out characters interesting. Firstly, because I know this about emotion – that some characters won’t express how they feel in any obvious way. And secondly, because of the challenges this presents, the intricacies involved in their portrayal, and the skill in writing them realistically.
This might sound mean, but I actually enjoy making my characters stressed, because it’s only when we face great pressure or personal challenge that we open ourselves up to the possibility of change, and for me stories are all about change. Change is one of the hardest things to do in life, so stories should explore the nature of change as much as possible, to help readers when they then experience change themselves.
Stressed-out characters are also great for plot. While I love using subtle techniques, allowing readers to suspect a character’s feelings even if they don’t, stressed-out characters often make mistakes, which is perfect for storytelling excitement!
It’s also realistic. Whenever I catch myself making a mistake I wouldn’t ordinarily make, it’s a sign that I might be juggling too much and need to simplify my focus. Making a mistake is horrifying! It’s also a wake-up call.
What about the characters you enjoy reading? How do they experience stress, and is it similar to the way you experience stress yourself? I’d be interested to know! I might even use it for a character one day!
