Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow: A DIY Manual for the Construction of Stories

HOW TO MANAGE CHRONOLOGY

Major characters deserve an entrance, not just for the reader’s benefit, but so that you (the author) can establish their stake in the story, how their motives will interact with those of the other characters.

THAT’S HOW IT WORKS with strong characterization: the character’s actions register as the inevitable outgrowth of their core identity. It’s important to emphasize the word actions here, because (as Aristotle reminds us) it is action that determines fate.

This may be the most lucrative question we can ask when it comes to our characters: Where are they in conflict with themselves? More precisely: What are the dangers bound to their desires? Once you’ve figured that out, you have the link that connects character to plot.

GETTING THE READER IN THE CAR

We should approach our characters with a passionate curiosity, asking not just What would they do in this situation? But Why are they behaving in this way?

alienation is not a natural human resting state; it’s a response to thwarted desire. Our duty as writers is not to erect lovely monuments to the lesser defense mechanisms but to dismantle them. Our characters must yearn and act upon their yearnings.

A WRINKLE IN TIME

MEET YOUR GREATEST GIFT TO READERS, THE NARRATOR