Greetings Folks,
I've been considering my cast of characters and started wondering about symbolism. Meaning, do you actively create a character that symbolizes an idea? Here is a list that I've noticed:
Rand Type: Rand from the Wheel of Time series is the stereotypical peasant that discovers he is the most powerful man in the world. Rand type characters symbolize the insignificance of an individual's ability to cope with the world at large until he he endowed with extreme power. I've often wondered how people react to such characters. Do they feel insignificant as well? Do they cope with life until that one blessed day they are endowed with the power to do what they wish? Think of the sudden boon of the lottery.
Croaker Type: Croaker from the Black Company series is an ordinary man that endures the weathering of life. He doesn't have any powers. He is an average soldier but an intelligent tactician (derives from his role as annalist). Croaker characters represent the average Joe who finds strength within. He is you, me, and everyone you've ever met. Croaker characters that die tend to have the most impact on the reader (me). We feel their loss because their loss is ours. Another fine example of a Croaker character is Coltaine from the Malazan series.
The Other: These characters are typically found in the current wave of Vampire and Werewolf fiction. They are perceived as us but are not. They have a darker, considered unattractive, side that is not accepted by society. These characters represent the youth (I can't believe I am old enough to use that word). They often feel rejected, although they look just like the adults that reject them. These characters usually find acceptance at the end, something that all teenagers desire.
Conan Type: Similar to the Rand Type, Conan cannot die. He power resides in his brute strength and ruthlessness. Necromancers, sorcerers, deities, they all die once their flesh kisses his steel. The Conan type is a character of true fantasy. He does what cannot be done. He is rage manifested in flesh that destroys all the symbols of oppression. They are the rebel. They are any one of us who have resisted an institution or oppressive individual of power.
These are the four that I can think of off the top of my head. The question is, do you recognize any of these types in your cast of characters? Do you agree with their description? Were you aware of the symbolism of your character when you started writing your story?
I've been considering my cast of characters and started wondering about symbolism. Meaning, do you actively create a character that symbolizes an idea? Here is a list that I've noticed:
Rand Type: Rand from the Wheel of Time series is the stereotypical peasant that discovers he is the most powerful man in the world. Rand type characters symbolize the insignificance of an individual's ability to cope with the world at large until he he endowed with extreme power. I've often wondered how people react to such characters. Do they feel insignificant as well? Do they cope with life until that one blessed day they are endowed with the power to do what they wish? Think of the sudden boon of the lottery.
Croaker Type: Croaker from the Black Company series is an ordinary man that endures the weathering of life. He doesn't have any powers. He is an average soldier but an intelligent tactician (derives from his role as annalist). Croaker characters represent the average Joe who finds strength within. He is you, me, and everyone you've ever met. Croaker characters that die tend to have the most impact on the reader (me). We feel their loss because their loss is ours. Another fine example of a Croaker character is Coltaine from the Malazan series.
The Other: These characters are typically found in the current wave of Vampire and Werewolf fiction. They are perceived as us but are not. They have a darker, considered unattractive, side that is not accepted by society. These characters represent the youth (I can't believe I am old enough to use that word). They often feel rejected, although they look just like the adults that reject them. These characters usually find acceptance at the end, something that all teenagers desire.
Conan Type: Similar to the Rand Type, Conan cannot die. He power resides in his brute strength and ruthlessness. Necromancers, sorcerers, deities, they all die once their flesh kisses his steel. The Conan type is a character of true fantasy. He does what cannot be done. He is rage manifested in flesh that destroys all the symbols of oppression. They are the rebel. They are any one of us who have resisted an institution or oppressive individual of power.
These are the four that I can think of off the top of my head. The question is, do you recognize any of these types in your cast of characters? Do you agree with their description? Were you aware of the symbolism of your character when you started writing your story?
