I've been reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy and it's been fascinating. JRR Tolkien is a true genius in fantasy. As I'm writing my book, I've been thinking about how to write developed and true characters. I've heard that writers leave little bits of themselves in their characters. I think that's true. Yet I also struggle to not make all the characters like me. I want to portray them as unique. For in real life that's the way it is.
Tolkien was great at describing each characters hopes, feelings, and goals. Aragorn has different motives than Merry. Gandalf may know more than Pippan but they are all weaved to create a beautiful story.
Another thing I noticed about Tolkien's writing is that throughout the trilogy he ties in this every croaching shadow that is bringing doom to the characters. It relates a struggle or conflict with man and time to finish their task before the shadow conquers. It is a metaphor for life. As humans we struggle against circumstance to succeed and fulfill our life purpose before the shadow of death falls on us. We can carry on like Frodo and Sam knowing that what we are striving for will help others in the end, especially if we are Christians.
Lucie
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Lord of the Rings
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I like your analogy between the shadow and our struggle to fulfill our life purpose before we die. Good stuff!!
ReplyDeleteA few authors I have talked to (or read) about creating characters, mentioned that often their characters "talk" to them and take on a life of their own. I think because the characters are so real to the authors they also become more real to the reader. Just one perspective.
Oh that's so cool. Thanks. I would love for that to happen to me.
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