The human brain remembers the one that is different.
- The Law of the Original
Okay, so it's not a real law, but think about the last three weddings you attended. Which one was most memorable: the two that were perfect or the one where the photographer dropped the camera into the chocolate fondue fountain? Which is your favorite school photo of your child: the ones with the perfect smile or that one with the crooked grin you see just after he's been a wee bit naughty? We remember things that are different, so apply that law to your story.
Today is Veterans Day, when we salute those brave women and men who have risked their lives to protect our country. They are the original heroes of our country so when you build your imaginary ones, think about what makes a veteran different from the average Joe or Jane.
- A soldier believes that our country is worth his or her life. You want your character to have strong convictions. Wishy-washy figures are ho-hum.
- Physical strength and stamina are a must to succeed in the armed forces. It also takes psychological and emotional stamina. Your hero and heroine needs to be strong, too -- strong enough to carry your story with their growth through their trials.
- An American soldier is brave and has strength of character. It takes someone very strong to leave their family behind to fight for families all over the country. Make your heroes stand for their beliefs to make them strong and memorable.
So as you celebrate Veterans Day, remember our real-life heroes and use the Law of the Original to create your own memorable imaginary heroes.
What's your secret to creating heroic characters? Where have you noticed the Law of the Original? Leave us a note below -- we'd love to hear from you.
