Writing Roots

S43 Bonus – Successes and Failure of the Characters

Success and failure. We think of them as opposites, but they’re really not. They’re companions – the hero and the sidekick. – Laurence Shames

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S43E8 – Characters: The Greek Chorus

Pintel: How’d this go all screwy?
Ragetti: Well, each wants the chest for hisself, don’t ‘e? Mr. Norrington, I think, is trying to regain a bit of honor. Old Jack’s looking to trade it, save his own skin. And Turner there, I think ‘e’s trying to settle some unresolved business twixt him and his twice-cursed pirate father.
Pintel: Sad.
– Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

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S43E7 – Characters: The Society

“We could have been called reapers,” Goddard said, “but our founders saw fit to call us scythes – because we are the weapons in mankind’s immortal hand. You are a fine weapon, Rowan. Sharp and precise. And when you strike, you are glorious to behold.” – Neal Shusterman

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S43E6 – Characters: The Villain’s Chorus

Banzai: Now that’s power.
Shenzi: Tell me about it. I just hear that name, and I shudder.
Banzai: Mufasa!
Shenzi: Oooh. Do it again.
Banzai: Mufasa!
Shenzi: Oooh!
Banzai: Mufasa, Mufasa, Mufasa!
– The Lion King

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S43E5 – Characters: The Comedic Relief

As a communication tool, effective use of humor can humanize you, cementing your bond with readers. It can also help your work stand out in a crowded market. – Leigh Anne Jasheway

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S43E3 – Characters: Secondary Characters

Think of every character as a main character. They believe they’re the main characters in their stories. No one should be just an obstacle. – Ben Edlund

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S43E2 – Characters: The Mentor

A mentor empowers a person to see a possible future, and believe it can be obtained. – Shawn Hitchcock

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S43E1 – Characters: The Sidekick

There is something inherently hopeful in unlikely friendships, I think. It speaks to our ability to surprise and connect – and how, in all the ways that matter, we are not really that different. – Emily Spurr

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S42 Bonus – When Not to Worldbuild

I’m not going to tell you how to start a bug-powered vehicle, I’m just going to put you inside one with somebody who knows how, and send you off on a ride. – Kameron Hurley

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