Tuesday, April 17, 2012

O is for Ostracized



One thing that the MCs in two of my WIPs have in common is they are ostracized by their peers.  Or maybe they ostracize themselves.  They don't have best friends to lean on, and they have broken or difficult connections with their family and spouses.  They are lost. 

I am a little disconnected from people too simply from being at home most of the time, but not nearly as much as my MCs.  I am lucky to have a wonderful husband and a wacky but close relationship with my sister.  I know I can say anything to my sister.  By the end of the conversation, no matter how difficult a topic, we will come out of it laughing - because that's how we roll. 

My characters probably need someone like that - or a virtual community like this one where you can say what you feel and someone will relate and say some kind words to lift you up and let you know you are never alone. 

If my characters had support, their stories wouldn't be half as interesting.  I'm trying to think of characters in novels I've read where the MC is disconnected.  Definitely Gatsby was a little socially disconnected even though he tried to make it look like he wasn't.  That guy that turned into a giant cockroach in The Metamorphosis, all of Poe's evil characters, Ahab, and on and on. 

Yes, I definitely like the oddball characters.  How about you?


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This post is part of the 2012 A to Z Challenge.

21 comments:

  1. yep i am also drawn to them--kinda like the "under dog"

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    1. The under dog thing is probably part of it. I want them to overcome their issues.

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  2. I created a disconnected character as well, so I like them as well.

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    1. I can't really think of any good 'normal' characters, so we're probably on the right track.

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  3. A good oddball makes for an interesting character to read about. In real life I'm grateful for those people who help me feel connected...cuz I can be a little odd myself sometimes. :P

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  4. Have to go with a big yes! Oddballs always catch my attention.

    I like a good old out of the box type of character - be it in life or in books.

    I know what it feels like to be ostracized -it is a horrible feeling. It wasn't until I learned to like myself and not need outside approval, that it didn't effect me as much. I say as much because even though I accept myself whether anyone else does or not - when other humans ostracize another human being, it speaks volumes about humanity/society.

    Good one for today's "O", Tonja!

    http://bettyalark.blogspot.com/

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    1. I think my characters with this issue definitely aren't happy with themselves.

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  5. I like the oddballs who only seem disconnected but go around making magic for others unbeknownst to the world...I call it the Santa Clause effect.

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  6. To some extent I think we all have weird character but not just in out stories.

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  7. I love the oddballs too. It's always nice to have some conflict :0)

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  8. Fellow a to z challenger stopping by. I definitely can relate somewhat to these kinds of characters and I think they're some of the more interesting ones.

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  9. You're right. If our characters had great support it would make for very short stories!
    Heather

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  10. I love oddball and different. It's varied as to how much support my characters have.

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  11. Oddballs make great characters in novels, but I feel bad for kids who are like that in real life.

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  12. When I can connect to them, oddball characters are the best. I like where it sounds like your taking them in your WIP

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  13. Great post!

    I tend to like the oddball characters too! They're so much more fun to write. :)

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  14. I agree that oddball fictional characters are more complex and it's exciting to see them unravel. An orignial "O" post! Julie

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  15. I'm popping in from Alex's place. A great O-post!
    Oddball characters are more interesting and have depth... they can often be misunderstood, too.
    Since I've always been a champion for the under-dog, I'd have to say thumbs-up in favour of oddballs.
    Enjoy the rest of the A to Z challenge.

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