Juxtaposition is what gives us charming scoundrels such as Han Solo
, killers with a conscience such as Jason Bourne
, and fanatically loved villains such as the Phantom of the Opera
. The battle scene that takes place in a posh ballroom, the car chase in a minivan, the happy reunion in the midst of a thunderstorm—all offer an unexpected element that boosts the scene from ordinary to memorable.
So how do we go about power-packing our fiction with juxtaposition? Ask yourself the following questions.
- 1. What would be unexpected? This is a question authors should ask themselves at every important juncture in their stories. Originality is hard to come by these days; if you can find a new ray of light—however tiny—to shine on an old story/character/setting, readers will sit up and take notice.
- 2. What is expected? Sometimes we can find the answer to the first question by knocking at the back door. If we know what readers will expect from our stories, we can sometimes work to turn those expectations on their heads.
- 3. What contrast offers the most depth? Often the most striking juxtapositions are those that are most startling: the heartless warlord who is kind to orphans, the genial butler who strangles kittens, the rough and ready cowboy who can play piano concertos. Go beyond the pedestrian choices to find those that will tell you something about the heart of your character.
- 4. What props can be used as illustration? In his essay, “Subversive Details and Characterization” (Naming the World
, edited by Bret Anthony Johnston), Pulitzer finalist Lee Martin suggests making “a list of all the props associated with that character, all the things they touch, use, handle, and so on, in the story….” Then “add another prop to the list, one you’ve just created on the spot, and make it a prop that doesn’t quite fit in with the others.” What does this tell you about your character’s unexpected personality traits?
- 5. How can the setting support the juxtaposition in character? Juxtaposition in setting is fabulous in itself, but when used in concert to further characterization, it reaches a whole new level. Perhaps the entire setting is in contrast with the character (a Victorian society belle in the wilds of Africa), or perhaps the setting can mirror, and strengthen, the character’s inner juxtaposition (in Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera, the phantom’s subterranean lair is both beautiful and freaky).
Related Posts: Plot vs. Character: Which Is More Important?
Are You Sabotaging Your Own Character?
Does Your Story Have the "Extraordinary" Factor?
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Story by K.M. Weiland
Tags: Characters , dichotomies , juxtaposition , Setting , Subtlety
I really love this K.M. I'd like to use it for my next writer's group meeting. Well said and a great concept.
Blessings.
Jan
I'm honored! Thanks, Jan. I hope your group finds it useful.
It's a big word, but hey - love the concept. Opposites make great characters. The unexpected make great plots. That's basically all this is saying.
Almost every post on this blog is extremely helpful. I've got to add this to my blogroll over at Write Big. Keep up the great work!
-Brayden Hirsch
http://writebig.wordpress.com/
Juxtaposition is at the heart of all great fiction. At its heart, juxtaposition is nothing more than conflict.
Your posts always gives me something to think about... even in so far as improving a screenplay I'm working on right now. Indeed, writers save the world! I can't thank you enough:)
Pat from the Philippines
Pathfinder50.blogspot.com
I'm so glad you're finding the posts useful! Best of luck with the screenplay.
One author I know said when she works on a scene, she considers her plot points, a hook for the end, and a surprise for the reader.
I try to avoid the 'obvious' -- my six-foot-six cop didn't play basketball and he has two cats, not a big, mean dog.
Great advice
Terry
Terry's Place
Romance with a Twist--of Mystery
As I'm working on my own writing, I refer to the "surprise for the reader" as a revelation. What's the revelation in this scene? If there isn't one, I know I need to do some more digging.
Juxtaposition certainly adds interest to the story. Your post has heightened my awareness about my NaNo entry for this year which I think definitely contains elements of unexpected contrasts. Now I be paying closer attention to props and situations as I write.
Lee
Tossing It Out
The best story ideas usually contain inherent juxtapositions, but it's our awareness of those elements that really bring them to life. Good luck on NaNo!
Hmm... I have no idea how I'm going to use that, but I know I need more of it. :) Your posts always help me work on improving my writing! Thank you! :D
Hope you think of something spectacular!
This is an excellent article. Thanks for writing it.
Very practical and useful and I plan to use it.
Glad you found it useful!