Why is Your Character There?

Today's random question helps you decide if a scene, or portion of a scene, is necessary.


Read through the scene and ask yourself, why is this character here? In this scene? Right now? Is it vital for the reader to know what the character is doing?

Unfortunately, sometimes it isn't important the reader know what the character is doing right then. If it shows your character's daily routine, you can probably cut the information.

Example:

You write three pages describing the heroine waking up, popping a few slices of bread in the toaster for breakfast, flipping on the Today show, and walking past a rumpled bedspread on the way to her closet.

Why would the reader need to know this? The heroine goes through these motions every day. This information isn't new, it isn't revealing, and it isn't moving the story forward. Now, if she normally shoots out of bed, skips breakfast, and rushes out the door, but you're showing an upset in her normal routine that is vital to the plot--leave the information in. Otherwise, cut it.

The character should always have a reason for acting out the scene. A routine is not a reason because she'd be doing it anyway.

However, sometimes your character will be mentally working out the events in a previous scene--this is called a sequel--and you might not want an action-packed setting for this. Try to show the character's mental state through his actions as he's mentally wrestling what to do. I think it's a good idea to avoid lengthy routines even in sequels. Occasionally, you can pick one "comfort" habit and work the thoughts around it. This gives more bang for the buck.

Let's use the previous scenario. In the previous scene, the heroine found out her father may or may not be cheating on her mother. The heroine is a neat-freak. Instead of walking through her morning routine while she's trying to decide if she should confront her father or not, consider having all of the thoughts take place while she makes her bed. Be specific about the exact way she smooths the sheets. Her precision with folding the blanket just so. The way she uses two hands to place each sham and how she tilts the accent pillow to a ninety-degree angle.

This uses the setting to show her need to be in control. She's comforting herself through her confusing thoughts by rendering precision to something she can control. Also, this grounds the reader in the time and place as she thinks. The act of making a bed can become important if you approach it with care.

Have you been guilty of writing "the boring parts" of your characters' lives? (I have!) How hard is it for you to cut instances where she's brushing her teeth, sipping a cup of tea, or deciding which pajamas to wear?

Join me on Wednesday for another random question, this time for you!

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