In Story Building Blocks II: Crafting Believable Conflict and the Build A Cast Workbook, I introduce sixteen character mannequins or prototypes based on personality types. I track them from cradle to grave and talk about their strengths and weaknesses and how to warp them. I use male or female pronouns based on the percentage of the population that fell in that category, but all mannequins can be anything you make them. The traits discussed are starting points. You can alter their temperaments depending on the purpose they serve. Their traits give them strengths to build on and weaknesses to exploit.
ARDEN
As a hero, Arden stands beside those he values to face the enemy and is willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good.
As a villain, Arden is controlling and overly judgmental. He bends other people to his will and shoots those who object to the party line.
On the upside, you can rely on Arden to maintain order and continuity. He has strong opinions about what is normal. He sticks up for his beliefs and enforces the rules. He expects people to conform. He is suspicious of loners. He doesn't flatter or kowtow. He treats an equal as an equal. He is an extrovert and a joiner. He is proud of his family crest. He has integrity and is a hard worker. He is socially adept and organized. He has amazing recall and is an excellent strategist. He works well with others and is willing to get his hands dirty to get the job done.
Arden is realistic, matter of fact, and abrupt. He is interested in the production line not ideas. He states what he thinks openly and won't back down. He can point out flaws in the system. He notices details others miss, but can't see big picture. He is oblivious to emotional content. He shuts out evidence he doesn't agree with. He can seem unfeeling. He tells you what he thinks, offers objective opinions, and is focused on whether the information is true or false. If convinced by someone he respects, he can switch sides, which will confuse people. He follows evidence and ignores hunches. He wants facts not impressions. He isn't open to appeal once he makes a decision. He will hide mistakes.
On the darkside, Arden has no patience with people he deems "different”, lazy, or weak. He is livid if his integrity or work ethic are questioned. Authority is based on experience and knowledge, not title or position. Pedigree is important. If you aren't one of us, you're less than. He would not tolerate being "less than." His is materialistic and only respects people with experience. He is outspoken to the point of being rude. He expects everyone to attend ceremonies. He is impatient with people who lack attention to detail. He won't accept excuses. He enforces rules and hierarchy even if they are harmful or wrong. He attacks when threatened and has friends to back him. He suppresses his displeasure until a core value is violated. Then he erupts and dishes out criticism, but can’t take it. He is hypercritical and controlling when stressed. He will overlook a transgression once, but it better not be repeated and he will not tolerate challenges to his authority.
When communicating, Arden rejects information from people he considers weak or inefficient. He cuts off people who don't agree with him. He ignores personal criticism and emotional arguments. When he has to make a decision, he relies on his own thoughts and feelings. He doesn't ponder or theorize. He makes impartial decisions but could put self-interest first. He wants to control the outcome. He wants the job done. He is confident, punctual, and follows through. He doesn't need anyone to agree with him. He will move unilaterally. He can plan, see it through, and follow up. He meets deadlines. He has a backup plan. Improvising makes him anxious and anxiety makes him hypercritical and controlling and more fixed in his position. He is more interested in solving a problem than rehashing what happened. However, he can get sidelined by focusing on whether the rules were followed or whether the situation was fair instead of fixing the problem.
Arden's natural allies are Lee, Nevada, Kelly, and Francis. Arden’s nemesis is Shelby. He enjoys the time he spends with friends. He seeks people who have the same personal standards and interests. He may be drawn to sports or athletic activities. He socializes with family and those involved in his community or church or club, even if they aren’t compatible.
He desires status and respects those he feels have achieved a high degree of success. He is less controlling with those he views as powerful or authoritative in their field. He can display a sharp wit. He enjoys telling jokes and stories. His friends view him as steady and dependable. He is very opinionated and likes to be in charge, but softens those tendencies when around others of his temperament.
Arden puts work and family above social ties. He has no patience for people he deems flighty or unconventional. They find his rigid adherence to rules off-putting. To the feeling types, he comes across as rude and insensitive. Arden's currency is gratitude and appreciation for his integrity. He stands by a commitment.
As a hero, Arden will defend his beliefs and his inner circle to the death. He will lead the charge and not be troubled by doubts. Friends and allies will rally to his call.
As a villain, Arden will punish anyone who steps out of line or who is considered "different." He has no problem attacking and has friends to back him up.
Next week, we meet Blair.
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