Do you like to categorize? I know I do. In fact, I’m
obsessive about it. My room is clean (and everything has its own place, where it usually is), my
school books are organized by subject and when I’ll use them and put neatly on
a shelf, and even my computer is organized (a non-native to my computer would
get lost in the nested folders). I like to label things1. So, naturally,
I divide stories into different categories. And not just by genre.
One way I like to categorize stories is by how they are driven. It’s a common
thing to do, actually. There are (generally speaking) two kinds of stories: plot-driven, and character-driven. An example
of plot-driven would be Lord of the Rings,
and an example of character-driven would be To
Kill a Mockingbird (to prove that this isn’t just a genre thing, Sailing to Sarantium is a fantasy driven
by characters). If you’ve read both of these (or even heard about them), then
you know what I mean by plot- and character-driven stories.
Now that we’ve split stories into two groups, what about the
authors? What do we call the authors of plot-driven stories, and those of
character-driven stories? Many call them
Wordsmiths and Storytellers.
When I picture the word ‘Wordsmith’, I immediately thing of Wordsmithy by Douglas Wilson. Once I
move past the literal interpretation of the word, then I begin to think of
flowing script (such as my mother’s handwriting), medieval books with the cool
embellishments, and of old paper. But what it really means when applied in the
way I want to today, it means someone
who writes stories that are driven by characters.
And when I picture the word “Storyteller”, I think of a
roaring fire, surrounded by small children and a wizened old man. The old man
begins to speak, waving his hands and emphasizing just the right moments while
he spins a tale for his riveted audience. What it means in this context is someone who writes stories that are driven
by plot.
But… what does that mean? How do we distinguish between the
two? And, perhaps most importantly, which one is better?
First, I need a volunteer from the audience. On second
thought, I need all of you to volunteer. Thank you for your willingness to
volunteer of your own will. Second, think of a novel. It can be any novel, for
this demonstration, by any person. Now, what comes to mind when you think of
the book? Not just the title or cover, but the story. What comes alive in your head?
Do you immediately think of a colorful cast, their images
created perfectly in your mind by the words on the page? Or do you think of
plot twists and complications and tension and thrill?
Hopefully, you’ll think of both, but which stands out?
There you have it, a way to distinguish between plot-driven
and character-driven stories. Thank you for your time, and your
volunteering-ness.
Now. As a writer, think on what you write. Close your eyes
and think of something you wrote. What
is most important to you? The story, with its complicated flow and
surprising cliffhangers? Or is it the myriad of wonderful faces and adorable
small children and terrifying villains? Viola! You know what you are, now. Storyteller
or Wordsmith?
Myself, I’m a
Storyteller. I love to create plots and twists and cliffhangers and deep
conflict that won’t ever be resolved without lots of words. (As proof, there
will be a post sometime soon with a picture of the outline for one of my Epic
Fantasy novels… it will also show my OCD, with all the color-coding and
alignment and such.)
I realize some of you will now be saying “you can’t put a
label on me! I like both characters
and plot! And I do them both equally.”
Yeah, sure. But bear with me, please? Which one do you do most? There is no true 50/50 here. Pick
one, for my sake, and for yours. I’m also a Wordsmith, and I love creating
little nuances for my characters and watching them flourish. But I picked one, and so can you.
There’s one last question I didn’t answer. Which one is better, Storyteller or Wordsmith?
Short answer:
neither, and both.
Yeah, it’s just that simple. This is a prime example of no
right and no wrong. This isn’t some Boolean variable and it’s not evil vs.
good. Storytelling and Wordsmithing are
both valid and perfectly good ways to present a story.
Oftentimes, the amount of your natural inclination toward
one or another will affect how well your story is written. For instance, I’m
currently preparing to write a novel that’s character-driven (extremely so). In
fact, it’s a slice-of-life, which means that plot is barely there at all. And
it’s stretching me. I’m forced to set down my outline and dig deep into the
part of story crafting I’ve never placed a lot of weight on. It’s one of the best things I have ever
done.
So go, live your-
Oops, wrong inspirational speech2.
Find which side you
lean toward, and develop it. It’s okay to admit you’re not too good at the
other side (even you who claim to be balanced). But once you’ve done that, once you know what your weakness is, it’s
time to buckle up for the long haul, settle down for the crazy drive, and do
the hard stuff.
What about you? Are
you a Wordsmith or Storyteller? What kinds of stories do you like to read most,
plot- or character- driven? Leave a comment and share!
1Yes, I label people as well. Don’t
judge me for it, or you’re labelling me, which makes you a hypocrite for labelling
me as a labeler. Think about it.
2I don’t often prepare inspirational
speeches, but when I do, I mix them up and use the wrong one. Even if the wrong
one is actually a subtle quote from a Disney film.
Definitely a Wordsmith. No doubt there. XD
ReplyDeleteHah, I thought you might be. :P
Delete