,
4 tweets,
1 min read
Read on Twitter
If your characters are feeling flat despite making interesting choices, consider giving them something they want that doesn't involve the story's chief plot: getting the guy/girl, good night sleep, a promotion - something relatable. Bonus points if they sacrifice it for the plot.
You'll be surprised how a sprinkling of normal life desire/conflict into even the most fantastical of plots will ground it. Even the simple desire to find a god damned Twinkie at the end of the world makes Woody Harrelson's otherwise over the top badass grounded in ZOMBIELAND.
Making these desires play wildly against trope/cliche creates the illusion of depth and does A LOT of heavy listing. Think a Rambo type who turns to mush around kittens, or the Prom Queen saving up to go to space camp, or the Nerdy Science Guy training to be a pro wrestler.
This is also a great space to make commentary on those very sorts of societal cliches, if that's your thing.
