Passivity

Well I was pondering my way around the new plot I am exploring, and as usual began to find myself less than happy. Initially I could not figure out why. So instead I turned my mind toward other thoughts, characters, etc. I began to conjure up thoughts of paladins on grand quests for their faith, heroes, blah blah blah, and realized what these all had in common. Surety of purpose and singular direction.

In previous plots, my characters tend to take a more passive stance. They kind of just wander their way through life, taking what opportunities come their way, never really seeking anything out. When they do end up affecting the world around them, it is because they are pushed into it more than out of choice. My characters tend to be much like myself, desiring a fairly average and quiet life rather than adventure. So to push them into exciting situations, they are forced to act as they would rather not.

I personally find this a pretty compelling plot obviously, since I wrote it, but I find that it could easily get predictable. Particularly since I tend to have characters change their ways. They start off thinking one thing, see their error, and alter their path. Instead I am thinking I might head down a different path, one where the character is actually sure of their purpose. Where the development is personal growth within the belief system, and the struggles of following it rather than realizing you were wrong and reconciling you to that.

So yeah, new stuff that is expanding my latest plot idea, and I am happy to say that I grow ever more excited about it. I also managed to get the technology aspect out of the way, which is the part of science fiction I find most tedious.