Lesson 20

[Blair Marino]

Blair’s character relationships
What I learned doing this assignment was that it’s fun to play around with different character traits to make character relationships more interesting.
Top four characters:
Kyle—determined, emotionally broken, protective, introspective
Chelsea—fidgety, caring, independent, sensitive
Terri—tenacious, adventurous, envious, overachiever
Sherri—calm, impatient, go-getter, wise

Kyle/Chelsea:
Put Kyle’s emotionally broken with Chelsea’s sensitivity and they will be able to work together during their grief. This is their rapport.
Put Kyle’s determined with Chelesa’s fidgety and there is conflict and contrast when they have to deal with the outside world.
Put Kye’s protective with Chelsea’s independent and there is competition.
Put Kyle’s introspective and Chelsea’s caring and there is rapport and subtext.

Kyle/Terri:
Put Kyle’s determined with Terri’s tenacious and they will have rapport.
Put Kyle’s introspective and Terri’s overachiever and there is contrast and some conflict.
Put Kyle’s emotionally broken and Terri’s envious and there is subtext.
Put Kyle’s protective and Terri’s adventurous and there is some competition.

Kyle/Sherri:
Put Kyle’s determined and Sherri’s go-getter and there is a rapport.
Put Kyle’s emotionally broken and Sherri’s impatient and there is conflict and subtext.
Put Kyle’s introspective and Sherri’s wise can add some competition.
Put Kyle’s protective and Sherri’s calm can provide some contrast.

[Christopher Fallon]

Chris posts his Character Relationships. Lesson 20. I may have misunderstood the assignment, as I chose to create two pairs of characters.
What I’ve learned: it’s fun to find good traits for characters, in order to create conflict and competition, as well as rapport.

Frank: Cynical, deceptive, courageous, loyal.

Susie: Naive, trusting, caring, honest.

Frank and Susie.

Rapport
Conflict
Contrast
Competition
Subtext

Rapport: Susie can enjoy Frank’s cynicism and world-weariness. It encourages her to care for him, and Frank enjoys the care and attention. He’s loyal to her and wants to protect her.

Conflict: Frank’s cynicism can sometimes be used against her; and he can be scathing of her naivety. He thinks her trusting nature could put her in danger.

Contrast: Susie is honest, Frank is deceptive. She is naive and trusting, he is world weary, cynical and trusts no one.

Competition: Her caring nature want to save Frank from his cynicism. Frank wants her to wake up to reality as he knows it to be.

Subtext: opposites definitely attract. But will Frank’s cynicism and deceptiveness destroy any chance of happiness between them? Will Susie’s honest and caring nature be strong enough to overcome his cynicism?

Scott and Bruno.
Scott: Manipulative, ruthless, genial, dutiful.

Bruno: Ambitious, idealistic, out-going, resentful.

Rapport: If these men were on the same team they would have a great rapport and would probably achieve amazing things together. But they each consider the other “the enemy”.

Conflict: Can Scott’s manipulative trait be used against Bruno? Can Scott use Bruno’s ambition and resentment to cause damage? Can Bruno see through Scott’s scheming and bring him down?

Contrast: Scott is modest and genial; Bruno is ambitious and out-going. Scott is dutiful and will accept difficult assignments without complaint. Bruno sometimes seethe with resentment.

Competition: Only one can win, and the results will be devastating for the loser.

Subtext: Can age and experience outwit idealism and ambition?

[Deb Johnson]

Debs Character Relationships

What I learned doing this assignment was… when you pair the traits of your lead characters, you can see how they will interact with each other from a very high vantage point. There are an infinite number of possible combinations – so I always need to look at each trait and how it might best add interest to not only the scene at hand but also the overall story. It’s incredibly interesting to see what’s there and what can be elevated. The characters and their traits make all the difference. This is a lot of work, but it’s insightful work and well worth the effort.

Top four characters: Gabe, Lisa, Aaron, Mama Lee

Character 1 – Gabe

Intolerant
Charismatic
Exploiter
Fatalistic

Character 2 – Lisa

Demure
Mystical
Duplicitous
Insecure

Gabe/Lisa

Rapport: Gabe’s Charisma inspires devotion and is a haven to Lisa’s insecurity

Conflict: Gabe’s intolerance allows him to only see things his way – and the only way. Lisa is duplicitous – deceitful and double minded. She twists truths to her convenience.

Contrast: Gabe’s Fatalism contrasts with Lisa’s Mystical trait. He sees things as predetermined and inevitable and Lisa has an awe and a fascination with what could be.

Competition: Gabe will exploit a situation while Lisa, demure, will want to cover it up

Subtext: Gabe feels protective towards Lisa and admires her mystical quality – something he lacks. They clash over situations that require transparency.

Improvement:
Change Gabe from Fatalistic to Rational – it’s a straightforward contrast to Lisa’s mysticism.

Gabe:
Intolerant
Charismatic
Exploiter
Rational

Character 3 – Aaron

Rebellious
Selfish
Pragmatic
Pot-stirrer

Gabe/Aaron

Rapport: Gabe’s rational approach to things matches perfectly with Aaron’s pragmatism.

Conflict: Gabe’s intolerance (rigid beliefs) clashes with Aaron’s rebellion (defiance of norms/rules).

Contrast: Aaron will start trouble by stirring the pot, while Gabe will take an existing situation and exploit it for his own benefit.

Competition: Aaron, being selfish, will only act in ways that benefit him. Gabe’s charisma is the way he manipulates others toward his agenda.

Subtext: Gabe leads with Charisma and a fixed point of view which will clash and contrast with Aaron who eschews authority and only looks out for himself.

Improvement:
Change Aaron from Pot-stirrer to Fair – it’s a straightforward contrast to Gabe’s exploitation.

Character 4 – Mamma Lee

Skeptical
A survivor
Homey
Stubborn

Gabe:
Intolerant
Charismatic
Exploiter
Rational

Rapport: Gabe is intolerant which is similar to Mama Lee's stubbornness. If they are on the same side of things, they will be strong together – otherwise, this is could also be a conflict.

Conflict: Since Mama Lee is a survivor, she will do whatever necessary, even compromising, or unethical things to stay safe. Gabe's intolerance of anything that doesn't align with his ethics/morals will challenge Mama Lee.

Contrast: While Gabe is rational, Mama Lee is skeptical. If Gabe finds something reasonable, Mama Lee will question or challenge it – even if it makes sense… but especially when it doesn't.

Competition: Mama Lee values the homey and comfortable which is challenged by Gabe who Exploits and dramatizes even the ordinary.

Subtext: Mama Lee and Gabe will get along as long as they agree – otherwise it will be a push and pull to see who wins.

Change – Mama Lee from Stubborn to Submissive. This is a complete flip for her – but it contrasts nicely with Gabe's Intolerance. More likely to acquiesce to the intolerant person's opinions and avoid confrontation. Gabe is already challenged by Lisa and Aaron, it would be nice to have someone waffle around him and give in.

This also changes the subtext: Mama Lee and Gabe may or may not agree, but Mama Lee will give in and submit to Gabe when push comes to shove.

Character 2 – Lisa

Demure
Mystical
Duplicitous
Insecure

Aaron:
Rebellious
Selfish
Pragmatic
Fair

Rapport: Lisa is intrigued by Aaron’s rebellious nature. Their shared insecurities give them both an understanding of their possible vulnerability.

Conflict: Lisa’s duplicity with clash with Aaron’s desire for fairness. But Aaron’s selfishness will conflict with Lisa’s insecurity – putting his needs above hers. There also might be conflict over Lisa being demure and Aaron being rebellious… he might find her passive nature frustrating or uninteresting.

Contrast: Lisa is mystical and Aaron is pragmatic.
Competition: They might compete for control or influence within the group, if they don’t agree on something.

Subtext: Aaron and Lisa have a shared desire to win, but are vastly different people, which will cause conflict as their plot unfolds.

Change – Aaron from Pragmatic to Utilitarian – in other words a more extreme form of pragmatism – sacrificing the needs/rights of the minority for the greater good. It will be interesting to balance Aaron’s fairness with this utilitarianism – as he will try to treat the individual he’s stepping on with a light touch… that doesn’t do too much damage.

Lisa & Mama Lee

Lisa
Demure
Mystical
Duplicitous
Insecure

Mama Lee
Skeptical
A survivor
Homey
Submissive

Rapport: they find common ground in their submissive and demure characteristics… wanting to avoid confrontation and seek peace. This is especially intriguing since Lisa is/was the secret lover of Mama Lee’s husband. Also, Lisa can take refuge from her insecurities with the hominess of Mama Lee.

Conflict: Mama Lee, as skeptical, can see through Lisa’s duplicity and is distrustful/suspicious of her. Mama Lee will also dismiss Lisa’s mysticism. As a survivalist, Mama Lee’s straightforward approach will conflict with Lisa’s duplicity.

Contrast: Lisa’s mysticism with Mama Lees Skepticism. Mama Lee is resilient and practical while Lisa will deceive and manipulate to achieve her goals.

Compete: In situations where trust and reliability are crucial, Lisa's duplicity could be pitted against Mama Lee's skepticism and survivor instincts, leading to a struggle for credibility and authority.

Subtext: Mama Lee and Lisa have secretly been in competition over one man for many years. Lisa has always been one step ahead, but Mama Lee may soon get the upper hand.

Aaron and Mama Lee

Aaron:
Rebellious
Selfish
Utilitarian
Fair

Mama Lee:
Skeptical
A survivor
Homey
Submissive

Rapport: Both are survivalists and approach things pragmatically. They will both go for practical solutions. Mama Lee’s hominess can be a grounding force for Aaron. She relies on him to be fair when she can’t or won’t speak her mind from her submissiveness.

(Note: Maybe Aaron is a double-crosser – he uses Lisa to get what he wants but is ultimately aligned with Mama Lee, against Lisa)

Conflict: While Aaron is selfish and needs to challenge authority and push boundaries, this conflicts with Mama Lee’s more gentle approach to life. Her skepticism could also clash with the rebellious/selfish nature – she will question his motives. She will know, ultimately, that he’s just out for himself and her homey nature will want to protect the group from him. Also there will be clashes over greater good versus individual well-being.

Contrast: Mama Lee is submissive and homey, while Aaron is rebellious and self-centered. Mama Lee’s survivor trait contrasts with Aaron’s rebelliousness. While she might rely on endurance and adaptability, he prefers to challenge and disrupt the status quo to survive and thrive.

Competition: Aaron’s utilitarianism/fairness might sometimes conflict with Mama Lee’s nurturing and protective nature, especially in scenarios where tough decisions need to be made.

Subtext: With a strong desire to save their town, Aaron allies with Mama Lee and invites her into the plot… but nobody else is aware of their alliance.

[Firdaus Bilimoria]

Firdaus F Bilimoria: Character Relationships

What I learnt doing this assignment was that the traits similarities and differences amongst characters can enhance their mutual relationships and the stakes in their character arcs.

CHARLES: Machiavellian, Controlling, Strategic, Corrupt

RAFAEL: Privileged, Ambitious, Loving, Compassionate

MARIANNA: Loving, Fatalistic, Resilient, Victim

KOZMIK: Psychopath, Violent, Strategic, cognitive empath

PAIRS
CHARLES/ RAFAEL
Charles Machiavellian and committed traits position himself to take advantage of Rafael’s privileged and ambitious traits, making him a kind of mentor that cannot be rebutted in any way by Rafael (Rapport) .
Rafael’s compassionate and loving traits throw up potential roadblocks in his relationship with Charles who expects nothing less than complete dedication to the Firm and its objectives.
The addition of a conscience trait would enable Rafael to call Charles at his game and pursue the right agenda.

CHARLES/ KOZMIK
Charles Machiavellian and committed traits position himself to take advantage of and align with Kozmik’s psychopath and strategic traits, laying the groundwork for cooperation over a joint undertaking, in this case separating Rafael from Marianna.
The same traits have the potential of Kozmik potentially crossing Charles in a competitive situation, however, Charles’ superior position and connections make this unlikely to go very far.
The addition of a psychopath trait to Charles can add to the potential for both cooperation and competition with Kozmik, and raise the stakes in a potential conflict of interest.

RAFAEL/ MARIANNA
Rafael’s loving and compassionate traits make for a good romantic relationship between him and Marianna, given her loving trait.
However, Rafael’s privileged and ambitious traits have the potential to disrupt the relationship with Marianna on account of her past and also her loving and victim traits, which may make her break off with Rafael so that she does not jeopardize his career.
The addition of romantic trait for both Charles and Marianna can raise the stakes in their relationship and their mutual affection.

KOZMIK/ MARIANNA
Kozmik’s psychopath and violent traits make him the obvious sex-trafficker who victimizes Marianna. Even his cognitive empathy allows him to understand Marianna and take advantage of her situation.
Marianna’s victim and fatalistic traits perpetuates the above relationship. However her resilience has the potential for a rebellion against Kozmik.
The addition of a real empathy trait for Kozmik can lead to a more nuanced relationship (with more subtext) with Marianna on his part, he might yearn for her affection while he is enslaving her in a sex trafficking ring.

• This reply was modified 8 months, 3 weeks ago by  Firdaus Bilimoria.