Story Building Blocks: Game On!: June 2023

16 Parents and Children Morgan

In previous posts, I covered sixteen lovers and sixteen heroes and villains (link below). In the upcoming months, we are going to use the mannequins from Story Building Blocks and do a deep dive on what each character is like as a parent and how they deal with the other characters as children.

Family dynamics, especially parent and child, have a long-lasting impact on how your characters are formed. You don’t have to write a family saga to utilize this insight. It will shape who your character becomes as an adult. It can play a big part in a young adult story world. Even in Science Fiction or Dystopian futures, human traits remain. Childhoods can twist and destroy. A good family can make your hero more lovable and a motivated hero. Mix a character with a good childhood without to give them different world views and definitions of family. Sibling rivalry can be a factor. Who did the parent love more? Who did they connect with? Who did they clash with the most? There are many opportunities to infuse conflict in your plot with parents and children. You can mix parents with different styles. You can craft a complex family dynamic based on their temperaments and needs. As always with any of the traits, you can make them benevolent or malevolent.

The sixteen profiles can be either male or female. I alternated he and she. The character can be a father, mother, grandparent, aunt, uncle, foster family, or other primary caregiver.

This post will focus on the mannequin MORGAN.

Morgan is fun and inventive but inconsistent. Everything is a learning experience. He encourages his children to experiment and think for themselves. He ignores the day-to-day workings of the household. He praises his children for their intelligence and skill. He wants to be admired in that way too. He fares best with intuitive thinkers. A self-regulating child will do fine. He finds a needy child suffocating. An emotional wild child perplexes him. He may avoid spending time with that child. He spends quality time but often forgets about his family when he is in full work mode. He is emotionally aloof. He shows love through sporadic grand gestures rather than affection or loving affirmations. He makes unilateral decisions without considering his children’s needs. He isn’t the disciplinarian. Morgan may physically or emotionally leave the war zone he creates. He bristles at outside criticism. Morgan encourages subversive acts against authority and will side with his child. He will not take it well if his competence as a parent is questioned. He can be an irresponsible enabler. Morgan is naturally drawn to Morgan, Dallas, Kelly, Greer, and Lee. His opposite is Wynn.

MORGAN/WYNN

Wynn is easy to please and seeks approval. She needs clear consistent rules and a secure routine. She won’t get those things from Morgan. Wynn can’t handle suffocating attention but she will be hurt by Morgan’s hands off approach to parenting. Wynn’s neediness will push Morgan away. He isn’t comfortable with emotional demands. He tries to make things fun and won’t be any fun. She is too serious, too traditional. When stressed, Wynn suffers silently. She won’t mention the million ways he cuts her. Chaos will make her feel unstable. She will be lost and Morgan won’t look for her. This pairing could result in a tragedy. While Morgan isn’t necessarily abusive, he isn’t nurturing enough for Wynn either. Resentment will build. If Wynn blows and tells Morgan all the ways he let her down, he won’t take it well. It will be Wynn’s fault not his that their relationship failed.

MORGAN/FRANCIS

Francis needs order, structure, calm, and a predictable schedule. Morgan won’t provide that. He struggles with overly emotional people. Francis isn’t comfortable with new people or situations. He clings to close friends. He is meticulous and puts schoolwork before play. Morgan will appreciate this self-regulating kid but not really understand him. Morgan’s attempts to pull Francis into his party will backfire, making Francis more rigid. Francis likes group events where he can show off his competence. If Morgan questions his competence, even in jest, it will result in low self-esteem. Francis becomes rigid in the face of uncertainty and could be a bully. Morgan doesn’t have the skill set to manage Francis. If Morgan is a criminal, Francis will be happy to turn him in. Morgan may get tired of judgmental Francis and leave him behind.

MORGAN/NEVADA

Nevada needs structure, security and personal attention. Not getting those things from Morgan will make him clingy. This will push Morgan even further away. Nevada craves acceptance and is eager to please. He does what he is expected to do. He follows the rules if fair and reasonable. He struggles to conform to new situations and Morgan tends to be mercurial, moving on to new challenges, not considering the repercussions to everyone else. Nevada speaks out against unfairness. He becomes resentful and angry if he doesn't get the praise he seeks. Morgan’s occasional grand gesture won’t do enough to make Nevada feel loved. Nevada is furious when other people break the rules and Morgan breaks all the rules. When Morgan lets him down, Nevada will turn on him. Nevada becomes willfully obstinate if violated. He would happily take Morgan down and turn him in after a lifetime of broken promises and disappointments. They are likely to form a permanent rift.

MORGAN/ARDEN

Arden is an active toddler. He likes to experiment and needs constant activity and change. He isn’t a snuggler. He hates standing still and that can be exhausting. He grows sullen and depressed if deprived of opportunities. Morgan is the perfect parent for Arden. Unfortunately they may create major messes along the way. If there is no one to hold them to account, they can spiral out of control, pushing each other to more outrageousness. Arden is curious and likes to disassemble things. He is eager to share his findings. Morgan will be delighted and participate. Arden wants to impress and wants to earn those trophies and badges. He wants to excel. He can resort to acting up to get attention or break up the monotony. Morgan won’t hold him accountable. They could be the best, wildest buddies or run each other into ruin. They are too much alike and each will blame the other.

MORGAN/BLAIR

Blair needs love and nurturing. Morgan being absent, inattentive, and busy makes her feel lost. She needs a solid foundation from which to flit, which seems contradictory to other people. She is quiet and plays by herself, inventing her own world. She is artistic and highly sensitive, a daydreamer. Morgan will not understand this child. He will quickly grow bored with her. Blair is pleasant and kind and nurturing toward others. She makes special gifts. Morgan likes the occasional grand gesture, but he isn’t consistent. He might not react the way Blair needs him to. Blair resists change and Morgan loves change. Morgan will make Blair’s life chaotic. She becomes resistant when her world doesn’t feel safe. The more Blair balks, the more frustrated Morgan will become. Morgan could leave the situation entirely, leaving Blair hurt and confused and wondering why she wasn’t enough. Morgan won’t worry too much about her. If they ever have a confrontation, Morgan will defend his actions and won’t understand the emotional aspect of Blair’s criticism.

MORGAN/DALLAS

Dallas is a restless child. She is suffocated by restrictions or cloying caregivers. She isn’t a cuddler. She is a dangerous loose cannon and will try anything. She needs to be corralled and Morgan is hands off, leaving her to spin out. Dallas is a ringleader of her siblings or in school. Her attention is fleeting. She doesn’t do anything long enough to master it. She forgets to do what she is supposed to. Morgan won’t care. Dallas hates being stuck at a desk listening to other people talk. Morgan is likely to take her out for adventures, getting them both in trouble. When the school or other parents criticize his parenting style, he will double down and Dallas will defend him. They could have a very enjoyable, if chaotic, life together. It can lead to disaster for both of them.

MORGAN/HADLEY

Hadley is an easy baby. She needs calm, personalized attention. Morgan will make her anxious and fretful. Hadley is agreeable and enthusiastic. Morgan will sometimes delight her and sometimes let her down. Hadley wants to try everything once but quickly drops it. Morgan won’t make her stick to anything. He is likely to encourage her to do more. Hadley wants to be seen and heard and offers deep insights. Morgan might be too busy to give her the attention she needs. She shuts down in the face of criticism and everything is criticism. Hadley is easily led and hates leaving friends even though her friendships tend to be fluid. This is a situation where a steadying influence is needed. Morgan is more likely to party with her and her friends. Morgan wants to be part of the fun. That can be disastrous for both.

MORGAN/SHELBY

Shelby is a quiet baby with a low threshold for excitement. She needs calm and consistent nurturing. Too much handling, moving around, and chaos make her cranky. Morgan will not give her the peaceful home she needs. Shelby will cry to escape the torture when caregivers shake her up and show her off. Shelby likes playing by herself, with her toys, or with her imaginary friends. She likes to daydream and doodle. Morgan will not understand this quiet child. Where did she come from? Shelby won’t want to join in his parties. She hates teams and groups and is highly sensitive to criticism. She is reserved around new people and bonds with a best friend. She can be a loner. Morgan’s grand gestures and attempts to bring her into the party will push her away. Shelby turns her pain inward. She will wonder why he has to be so flighty and resent him for not making sure things are taken care of. Shelby may go looking elsewhere for the love and approval she needs. She could get lucky and find the peace loving family she desperately needed. Or she could end up in an abusive situation, recreating the chaos she wanted to escape.

MORGAN/JOSS

Joss is a quiet but busy child. He is a fearless daredevil. He accepts structure and concrete rules but needs flexibility. He asks permission but finds a way around it if told “no.” He grows bored when options are limited. Morgan and Joss will get along well. There is trouble if there isn’t anyone to put on the breaks. Both like to take things apart to see how they work. They could bond over this activity. Both get lost in his hobbies and work. Joss is a good student, but chafes at rote learning. He gets in trouble for not paying attention or sitting still. Morgan will defend him. When Morgan is criticized, he fire backs, moving or taking Joss out of the school. Joss tries harder to control his world if it spirals out of control and Morgan could very well make his life chaotic. While they have a lot of similarities, Joss could resent Morgan for not providing even the bare necessities. He may not want the changes Morgan thrives on. They could be thick as thieves, or have enough points of conflict that they turn on each other.

MORGAN/KELLY

Kelly is a freedom-loving, active, and cranky baby. If his caregivers crave a consistent schedule, they are out of luck. He transplants easily. Kelly can't sit still and play alone. He craves attention and creates chaos to get it. Morgan is naturally chaotic. Kelly will thrive in this environment and probably get away with too much. Kelly won't abide by rules or conform. He collects friends and needs to be on the move. He is a ringleader of mischief. He needs firm hand, not an iron fist. Morgan is neither. Kelly can be self-destructive if thwarted. He learns how to manipulate early and becomes a bully. Morgan can be easily outsmarted and manipulated by Kelly. It’s a case of a wild child raising a wild child. They could be partners in crime. Neither are likely to have stable lives.

MORGAN/GREER

Greer is happy, easy going, and likes to explore. He happily plays alone and asks odd challenging questions. He enjoys fantasy, mystery, inventing, and thinking. Can't handle chaos. Needs routine and safety. While Morgan is too chaotic for Greer, they may bond over Greer’s hobbies and interests. Greer doesn’t like being fussed over or the center of attention. In this regard, Morgan’s tendency to forget he has a child isn’t a problem. Morgan is neither suffocating nor gooey. Greer Doubts himself and takes criticism hard. Morgan hates being criticized as well. They could dig at each other over small things. Especially when the day to day things aren’t taken care of. Greer could critique Morgan’s parenting and Morgan will push back and put Greer down.

MORGAN/TAYLOR

Taylor is a peaceful child and needs calm. Chaotic and unpredictable Morgan will make her anxious. Taylor is friendly and values harmony. Pleasing others makes her happy. She may try to please Morgan. His occasional grand gestures aren’t enough appreciation. Taylor takes charge of playroom and siblings. She is likely to be the adult in the situation. Taylor is hurt if she senses disapproval or if her efforts are rejected. Morgan may not appreciate her attempts to manage him. Taylor overextends herself by trying to play with everyone and must be reined in. If anything, Morgan will push her to do more. If Morgan is absent or busy, he will allow her to spiral out of control. Growing up too soon, having to parent herself, and the distance between them is a recipe for a lifetime of resentment and misunderstanding.

MORGAN/CAM

Cam is a quiet, low maintenance child. He won’t ask for anything, even for what he needs. He is good because it’s important to be good not to please others. He expects everyone else to be good too: caregivers, siblings, teachers, and friends. Cam is self regulating and responsible. It is a good thing Cam can raise himself. Greer will be critical of Morgan’s faults and inability to handle the daily chores. Morgan can create a chaotic and highly dysfunctional home. This will push Cam further inside his shell. He spends a lot of time daydreaming and thinking. His questioning of authority and probing questions make adults squirm. Morgan won’t appreciate being judged or questioned. Cam develops his own belief system and does not conform to what others believe. He may challenge Morgan’s every choice. Cam withdraws to protect and Morgan runs. The distance will grow and even with Morgan’s occasional grand gesture, Cam will probably never trust him.

MORGAN/MORGAN

Child Morgan is a lively baby. He walks, talks, and gets into everything early. He might do them all a little differently. Caregivers who expect everything to happen on time and in the right way are frustrated. He has a lively questioning mind. He takes risks and outwits dim caregivers, teachers, or other authority figures. Parent Morgan’s inattention leaves plenty of room for child Morgan to get into trouble. Both like creative projects and follow their unique interests wherever they lead. They could bond over shared passions. Both like to tinker and invent. Both are outgoing. They will enjoy orchestrating activities, assigning roles, and overseeing the progress. Child Morgan is parent Morgan’s mini-me. Unfortunately neither are likely to take care of the day to day necessities. Child Morgan is irritated when he doesn't get his way. Morgan isn’t a harsh disciplinarian, but he may not be able to give Morgan everything he wants. Both can be clowns and neither likes group activities. Together, they are a whirlwind and may prove too much for neighbors, friends, teachers, other children, and an additional parental figure. They will push each other to more outrageous things. Then present the occasional big surprise or gift to ask for forgiveness.

MORGAN/LEE

Lee is a high-demand baby. If placed with absent or self-absorbed caregivers, she screams until someone pays attention to her. She proves exhausting to the most attentive caregiver and Morgan isn’t very attentive. Lee knows her own mind from the day she can talk and tells you what she wants and does not want. She will happily raise herself and be critical of Morgan for not carrying his weight. Lee excels at whatever she chooses to participate in. She is in competition with herself not others, but they might not realize it. Morgan may admire her skill but be irritated by her dominance. Lee is a leader on the playground and becomes the enemy of anyone who doesn’t follow along. She is the quintessential queen bee. Morgan will be more in her way than an asset. In truth, Lee probably scares him a little. Lee won’t waste much time grieving if Morgan takes off. She will probably be relieved she doesn’t have to deal with his shenanigans anymore. Morgan could prove to be a thorn in Lee’s side the rest of her life unless she cuts him loose.

MORGAN/RIVER

River is a quiet baby. She is content to observe the world. Morgan is busy, aggressive, and outgoing which will make her cry. She needs peace and quiet to thrive and Morgan is incapable of providing that. River lives in a dream world most of the time. Morgan would have to drag her kicking and screaming to play groups or to the playground. He won’t consider River fun. She is too quiet. To reserved. How can this be his child? River has one or two friends. She perceives the world as treacherous and trust is vital. Her life with Morgan will not give her security and she will find it difficult to trust other people. River’s emotional skin is thin. Though he won’t intend it, Morgan will hurt her in a million tiny ways. River won’t fight with him. She hates violence and discord. She will simply withdraw and escape when finds a way out. They will never understand each other. Morgan’s grand gestures will be too little too late. River doesn’t need things. She needs emotional continuity and physical security. He won’t know how to give her what she needs and she may never forgive him for it.

Next week, we introduce LEE.

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You can get more insight into character development by picking up a copy of Story Building Blocks II: Crafting Believable Conflict or the fill-in the blank Build A Cast Workbook.

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16 Parents and Children Cam

The sixteen profiles can be either male or female. I alternated he and she. The character can be a father, mother, grandparent, aunt, uncle, foster family, or other primary caregiver.

This post will focus on the mannequin CAM.

Cam’s goal is to raise his children to be independent, educated, and self-sufficient. He prefers life to be orderly and planned. He is irritated by children who dither or can't take care of routine tasks. He isn’t interested in keeping up with the neighbors or doing things just because everyone else is doing them. He won’t support his children if they want to. He challenges his children’s decisions to make sure they have thought the situation through all the way. He isn’t big on praise because he doesn’t need it. He admires competence. He offers wise guidance and loving affirmations. His intellectual distraction may be misinterpreted as a sign he doesn’t care. He is passionate for the few he loves, but needs his space. He expects his children to need their space. He has low social needs and struggles with an extroverted child. He shrugs off their struggles with peer pressure. He advises them to be true to themselves and forget everyone else. Cam offers logical critique in place of emotional outbursts. He wants to prevent what went wrong from happening again. He expects his children to be self-regulating and set their own high standards. Cam does not handle rebellion well. A wild child may lose his respect and never get it back. Cam represses displeasure until a core value is violated. His response is swift and cutting. Cam is naturally drawn to Cam, River, Francis, Lee, and Greer. His opposite is Dallas.

CAM/WYNN

Wynn is easy to please and seeks approval. She needs clear consistent rules and a secure routine. Cam provides those things. Wynn can’t handle suffocating attention or inconsistent rules. Cam’s distance might be too remote. Cam is fair but communicates with logic and reason. He may miss the emotional undertones. Wynn hates being punished for things she didn’t do. She may take Cam’s approach in the wrong way. Since Wynn is a fairly balanced, well-behaved child, they should muddle along fairly well. Wynn may struggle with Cam’s logical advice and analysis of emotional situations. Wynn wants to fit in and find acceptance. Cam won’t be of much use to her there. When stressed, Wynn suffers in silence and Cam may not notice. It’s not a high-conflict relationship, but it may not be close and warm enough for Wynn.

CAM/FRANCIS

Francis needs order, structure, calm, and a predictable schedule. He is not comfortable with new people or situations. He clings to close friends. Cam is the perfect parent in that regard. Francis likes group events where he can show off his competence. If his competence is questioned frequently, it results in low self-esteem. Cam doesn’t care about awards and praise and won’t be supportive in that regard. They could have a rift in that regard. Francis becomes rigid in the face of uncertainty and could be a bully. He struggles with overly emotional people. He is meticulous and puts schoolwork before play. This isn’t the worst pairing. Both are self-regulating and meticulous. Cam will approve of Francis being a self-regulating person. Francis may not feel supported enough and may find Cam too distant and uninvolved. Francis isn’t going to get the praise he seeks. It may be a case of mutual lack of respect.

CAM/NEVADA

Nevada needs structure, security, and personal attention. He won’t get a lot of personal attention from Cam and may become clingy. Nevada craves acceptance and is eager to please. He does what he is expected to do. Cam is relieved by this. Nevada shouldn’t require much of his time. Nevada follows the rules if fair and reasonable. He speaks out against unfairness. He is furious when other people break the rules. He will turn against his parents if they let him down. Cam is a usually a stable person. Nevada struggles to conform to new situations. He becomes willfully obstinate if violated. You could push both to either extreme, but in general this is a peaceful pairing. Nevada can become resentful and angry if he doesn't get the praise he seeks and Cam is light on praise. If Nevada pushes the boundaries to get attention, it will backfire.

CAM/ARDEN

Arden is an active toddler. He likes to experiment and needs constant activity and change. He grows sullen and depressed if deprived of opportunities. He is curious and likes to disassemble things. He is eager to share his findings. Arden will prove a challenge for Cam who wants the child to just do what he is supposed to without close supervision. Arden isn’t a snuggler. He hates standing still and that can be exhausting. He wants to impress and wants to earn those trophies and badges. Cam could not care less about badges and trophies. They will have conflict in this area. Cam won’t understand why recognition is important and Arden will feel resentful that Cam isn’t giving him the rewards he needs. Arden wants to excel. He can resort to acting up to get attention or break up the monotony. When he does, it will backfire. Cam is likely to turn against a wild child. He is short on patience with shenanigans.

CAM/BLAIR

Blair needs love and nurturing. If Cam is absent, inattentive or busy, Blair will feel lost. She needs a solid foundation from which to flit. Cam won’t have patience with the flitting. Blair is quiet and plays by herself, inventing her own world. She is artistic and highly sensitive, a daydreamer. They are complementary in that regard. Cam will support Blair’s interests. Blair is pleasant and kind and nurturing toward others. She makes special gifts. She may not get the validation she needs. Cam will love her but is so often absorbed in his work and obligations he doesn’t take the time to devote to her emotional needs. Blair rebels if restricted and resists change. Cam isn’t overly demanding but he does expect her to behave. If Blair gets out of control, Cam won’t respond well. They could struggle to show each other love in the way the other needs, leading to a life of misunderstanding. The more Blair spirals, the more disgusted Cam will become.

CAM/DALLAS

Dallas is a restless child. She is suffocated by restrictions or cloying caregivers. She isn’t a cuddler. She is a dangerous loose cannon and will try anything. She needs to be corralled. Cam will be irritated that she can’t just behave and be calm. Dallas is a ringleader of her siblings or in school. Her attention is fleeting. She doesn’t do anything long enough to master it. She hates being stuck at a desk listening to other people talk. She forgets to do what she is supposed to. This will irritate Cam to no end. He hates having to waste time making children do what is expected. He doesn’t ask for much, only that they are self-regulated. Dallas may feel she can never live up to Cam’s standards and her self-esteem will suffer. Dallas needs a firm guide, and Cam may fail her there. If unchecked, Dallas becomes a very wild child and loses Cam’s respect.

CAM/HADLEY

Hadley is an easy baby. She needs calm, personalized attention. Cam is an affectionate but distant parent. Hadley may be too needy for him. Hadley agreeable and enthusiastic. She wants to try everything once but quickly drops it. She wants to be seen and heard and offers deep insights. Cam will be irritated by her lack of follow-through. He can be cutting in his criticism. Hadley shuts down in the face of criticism and everything is criticism. She is easily led and hates leaving friends even though her friendships tend to be fluid. Cam isn’t generally unstable. Work might force him to move, but he is in general reliable and hardworking. He errs on the side of being too hands off. If Hadley seeks attention from people who lead her astray, Cam might cut her off rather than save her.

CAM/SHELBY

Shelby is a quiet baby with a low threshold for excitement. She needs calm and consistent nurturing. Too much handling, moving around, and chaos make her cranky. She cries to escape the torture when caregivers shake her up and show her off. She is in luck with Cam. He will provide the calm nurturing environment and has no desire to parade her around for social approval. Shelby likes playing by herself, with her toys, or with her imaginary friends. She likes to daydream and doodle. She hates teams and groups. This is another way they are highly compatible. Cam will encourage her independent hobbies and interests. Shelby is highly sensitive to criticism and she may take Cam’s analytical responses as criticism. He thinks he is simply pointing out what went wrong and how to fix it. Shelby turns her pain inward and Cam won’t even know what he said wrong. Shelby is reserved around new people and bonds with a best friend. She can be a loner. This is not a high conflict match up. It could be a million tiny cuts instead. Both being similar, yet finding fault with the other. Cam might be too hands off. Shelby might rebel to get attention.

CAM/JOSS

Joss is a quiet but busy child. He is a fearless daredevil. He accepts structure and concrete rules but needs flexibility. He asks permission but finds a way around it if told “no.” He grows bored when options are limited. Cam won’t appreciate the daring do if it goes too far. He expects Joss to toe the line. Joss takes things apart to see how they work, but doesn’t tell anyone what he learns. He gets lost in his hobbies. They are both guilty of that. Joss is a good student, but chafes at rote learning. He gets in trouble for not paying attention or sitting still. This will disappoint Cam. He can seem cutting and harsh when explaining what needs to happen and how Joss needs to improve. Joss tries harder to control his world if it spirals out of control. Cam isn’t one to make life too bumpy, but Joss could take Cam’s criticism to heart and act out in response. His self-esteem could take a hit. He could become overly risk-taking to prove himself.

CAM/KELLY

Kelly is a freedom-loving, active, and cranky baby. If Cam craves a consistent schedule, they are out of luck. He transplants easily. Kelly can't sit still and play alone. He craves attention and creates chaos to get it. He won't abide by rules or conform. This is a nightmare child for Cam who expects Kelly to behave on his own. Cam will be irritated and will soon turn against this wild child. Kelly collects friends and needs to be on the move. He is a ringleader of mischief. He needs firm hand, not an iron fist. Cam is likely to club him for being such a pain in the butt. Kelly can be self-destructive if thwarted and is likely to act out in rebellion. He won’t respect Cam’s steady logical demeanor. The more Cam retreats into icy disapproval, the worse Kelly becomes. He learns how to manipulate early and can become a bully. Cam won’t put up with his shenanigans for long. It would likely end in a lifetime rift that can’t be mended.

CAM/GREER

Greer is happy, easy going, and likes to explore. He happily plays alone. He can't handle chaos and needs routine and safety which Cam provides. Greer asks odd challenging questions. He enjoys fantasy, mystery, inventing, and thinking. He is pretty close to Cam’s idea child. Cam will support Greer’s solo endeavors. Greer isn’t interested in being fussed over or the center of attention. Cam is a reasonable, logical, drama-free parent which is what Greer needs. Greer can doubt himself and takes criticism hard. If he displeases Cam, he may take the criticism to heart and lose self esteem. It would take a lot to make these two hate each other. They could simply drift off into separate spheres, rarely in each other’s orbit.

CAM/TAYLOR

Taylor is a peaceful child and needs calm. Cam is the steady presence she needs. Taylor is friendly and values harmony. Pleasing others makes her happy. Cam is affectionate but may not express enough appreciation. Taylor takes charge of playroom and siblings. As long as she doesn’t push things too far, Cam shouldn’t come down on her too hard. Taylor is hurt if she senses disapproval or if her efforts are rejected. There is plenty of room for misunderstanding between Cam’s logical parsing and Taylor’s emotional responses. Taylor overextends herself by trying to play with everyone and must be reined in. Cam will offer firm guidelines and not appreciate drama or excuses. He is a loner and isn’t fond of large gatherings and won’t understand why Taylor needs a posse. An absent or busy Cam could allow her to spiral out of control. Cam is low-drama. His disapproval can be cutting. His logical dissection can be mistaken for criticism. Taylor could be hurt in a hundred tiny ways without Cam ever knowing.

CAM/CAM

Child Cam is a quiet, low maintenance child. He won’t ask for anything, even for what he needs. Child Cam is self regulating and responsible. He is good because it’s important to be good not to please others. He expects everyone else to be good too: caregivers, siblings, teachers, and friends. A Cam/Cam pairing is pretty close to perfect. Neither abides chaos. They retreat into their intellectual towers when drama occurs. Both spend a lot of time daydreaming and thinking. They can get into heated logical debates. Both question authority and ask probing questions that make other people squirm. It is unlikely that they would openly attempt to hurt each other. Both can be sarcastic and cutting. Both withdraw to protect. Child Cam develops his own belief system and does not automatically conform to what Parent Cam believes. There could be a schism caused by different belief systems. It could be an icy stalemate that lasts forever. Both would be shocked by how much the other really cares.

CAM/MORGAN

Morgan is a lively baby. He walks, talks, and gets into everything early. He might do them all a little differently. Cam, who expects everything to happen on time and in the right way, will be frustrated. Morgan has a lively questioning mind. He takes risks and outwits dim caregivers, teachers, or other authority figures. Cam won’t appreciate the risk-taking behavior, especially if it gets Morgan into trouble elsewhere. Morgan likes creative projects and follows his unique interests wherever they lead. His penchant for invention is evident early on. They could bond at this level. Morgan is outgoing. He likes to orchestrate activities, assign roles, and oversee the progress. Cam won’t understand his desire for praise. Morgan is irritated when he doesn't get his way and Cam is unlikely to back down. Morgan doesn't do group activities. He can be a clown. Morgan might think Cam is too serious and Cam might find Morgan too flippant. The real conflict between them comes when Morgan strays too far off path. The more Cam disapproves, the more it pushes Morgan to even more outrageous shenanigans. The worse Morgan gets, the further Cam retreats, perhaps cutting him off forever.

CAM/LEE

Lee is a high-demand baby. If placed with absent or self-absorbed Cam, she screams until someone pays attention to her. Cam won’t appreciate this challenge. Lee proves exhausting to the most attentive caregiver. She knows her own mind from the day she can talk and tells you what she wants and does not want. If Cam has different plans and goals for her, Lee will flout them all. She excels at whatever she chooses to participate in. She is in competition with herself not others, but they might not realize it. Cam might appreciate her competence but he won’t appreciate her need to be “someone.” He doesn’t understand why other people need praise and awards and validation from outsiders. Lee is a leader on the playground and becomes the enemy of anyone who doesn’t follow along. She is the quintessential queen bee. Cam won’t admire that about her. Cam will retreat in distaste and Lee will make sure she gets a jab in before she leaves him in the dust. They could have a permanent breakdown in their relationship.

CAM/RIVER

River is a quiet baby. She is content to observe the world. She needs peace and quiet to thrive. Cam will provide that quiet place for her to thrive. He may be a little too distant for her though. River lives in a dream world most of the time. Luckily, Cam won’t try to bring her out of her shell. River has one or two friends. They are similar in that way. River’s emotional skin is thin and Cam’s cutting form of discipline and disapproval could really harm her self-esteem. River naturally sees the world as treacherous and trust is vital. She could be uncertain about Cam and how much he loves her. Both hate violence and discord and prefer peace. They won’t have shouting matches. River isn’t hard to take care of or care for. Cam will find her an easy child who behaves as expected for the most part. River isn’t one to openly rebel. The difficulty can arise if River is too drawn to the mystical or paranormal. Cam is too logical for that. It will be a tug of war between his logic and her emotion. The more out of the norm River goes, the more it will disgust Cam. An idealogical rift is possible.

Next week, we introduce MORGAN.

If you want to learn more, you can check out Mastering Character Development and the Story Building Blocks website for free tools and forms.

You can follow new posts on this topic on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/storybuildingblocks or opt for an email through follow.it.

You can get more insight into character development by picking up a copy of Story Building Blocks II: Crafting Believable Conflict or the fill-in the blank Build A Cast Workbook.

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16 Parents and Children Taylor

The sixteen profiles can be either male or female. I alternated he and she. The character can be a father, mother, grandparent, aunt, uncle, foster family, or other primary caregiver.

This post will focus on the mannequin TAYLOR.

Taylor puts her children first. She strives to be a good role model and encourages them to make the world a better place. She wants to be appreciated for her goodness and service. Her self-worth is tied up in whether or not her children turn out well. She is strict and has high expectations. She expects them to conform. Deviations from the norm humiliate her. She takes criticism and objective statements about them and from them personally. She is warm and affectionate. She lavishes affirmations. She throws special birthday parties and makes sure the holidays are fun and traditional. She provides what they need on a daily basis. She is suffocating to a child who needs space. She may become pathologically enmeshed in her children’s lives. She takes responsibility for their emotional health as well as making sure they do everything they are supposed to. She is fiercely loyal and overprotective but struggles with rebellion. Taylor hates arguing and conflict. She represses her displeasure then explodes. She manipulates rather than confronts. Taylor punishes subtly by denying them things they want or making them do things they don't want to do. Taylor becomes irritable and rigid when stressed and lacks clear boundaries. She is naturally drawn to Taylor, Nevada, Lee, Dallas, and River. Her opposite is Joss.

TAYLOR/WYNN

Wynn is easy to please and seeks approval. She needs clear consistent rules and a secure routine. Taylor will provide those. Taylor could be too suffocating for her. Wynn is an easy child in the right environment and Taylor will be the nurturer she needs. It could be a happy parent/child relationship. The conflict happens with the way Taylor punishes and when her boundaries aren’t clear enough. Wynn suffers silently and Taylor becomes rigid. Neither of them will communicate their pain, so there is plenty of opportunity for misunderstanding and a lifetime of repressed resentment and anger.

TAYLOR/FRANCIS

Francis needs order, structure, calm, and a predictable schedule. Taylor will provide a stable home and nurturing. Francis is not comfortable with new people or situations. He clings to close friends. He is meticulous and puts schoolwork before play. Taylor may try to push him too far out of his comfort zone. She will be proud of his accomplishments. Francis struggles with overly emotional people and may find Taylor cloying. Francis likes group events where he can show off his competence. If his competence is questioned frequently, it results in low self-esteem. Francis becomes rigid in the face of uncertainty and could be a bully. Taylor is the ultimate enabler. Taylor’s manner of punishment won’t make sense to Francis. He is very black and white. He could turn against her. It isn’t the most problematic pairing, but there is plenty of room for conflict.

TAYLOR/ NEVADA

Nevada needs structure, security, and personal attention. He becomes resentful and angry if he doesn't get the praise he seeks. Taylor will provide security, attention, and lavish praise. Nevada craves acceptance and is eager to please. He does what he is expected to do. He follows the rules if fair and reasonable. He speaks out against unfairness. In that regard, he can be the perfect child for Taylor. However, Taylor’s method of punishing her children may become a point of contention. Nevada will be furious when she refuses requests or attempts to make him do things he doesn’t want to do. Nevada will turn against his parents if they let him down. He struggles to conform to new situations and becomes willfully obstinate if violated. The more Taylor infringes or attempts to manipulate Nevada, the more he will rebel. The more she pushes, the faster he retreats and perhaps strikes out.

TAYLOR/ARDEN

Arden is an active toddler. Arden isn’t a snuggler and hates standing still and that can feel like rejection to Taylor. Arden likes to experiment and needs constant activity and change. He grows sullen and depressed if deprived of opportunities. He is curious and likes to disassemble things. He is eager to share his findings. Taylor may find Arden difficult to manage. She won't appreciate his curiosity when he takes things apart. Arden wants to impress and wants to earn those trophies and badges. He wants to excel. Taylor will support his activities as long as they meet her approval. Trouble sets in if they don’t. Arden can resort to acting up to get attention or break up the monotony and Taylor will feel betrayed by that. Hasn’t she done everything for him? Why can’t he appreciate her? Arden wants her approval but may feel suffocated and controlled. This could become a push-pull dynamic that could last a lifetime.

TAYLOR/BLAIR

Blair needs love and nurturing. She needs a solid foundation from which to flit. Taylor will provide the calm, nurturing environment but won’t appreciate the flitting. Blair is quiet and plays by herself, inventing her own world. She is artistic and highly sensitive, a daydreamer. Taylor may try too hard to push her in to uncomfortable situations. Taylor has a very strong opinion about how things should be and expect Blair to conform and perform. Blair is pleasant and kind and nurturing toward others. She makes special gifts which Taylor will appreciate. Blair rebels if restricted and Taylor’s preferences may be too limiting. As Blair moves from interest to interest, Taylor will try to keep her on track. Conflict will ensue. While Blair can be a pleasant child, she needs room to breathe and Taylor can be suffocating. The more Taylor suffocates Blair, the more she needs to break free.

TAYLOR/DALLAS

Dallas is a restless child. She is suffocated by restrictions or cloying caregivers. She isn’t a cuddler. Taylor will feel rejected by this. Dallas is a dangerous loose cannon and will try anything. She needs to be corralled. Taylor will be controlling rather than a firm guiding hand. Dallas is a ringleader of her siblings or in school. Her attention is fleeting. She doesn’t do anything long enough to master it. She hates being stuck at a desk listening to other people talk. She forgets to do what she is supposed to. Taylor will disapprove and be embarrassed. The harder Dallas is to control, the angrier Taylor grows. The more Taylor attempts to enforce her preferences, the more Dallas rebels. Dallas can become a very wild child. This could be a highly volatile relationship with misunderstanding and resentment on both sides. Dallas will reject her mother’s intrusion. Taylor will be incensed that her child doesn’t conform and appreciate her efforts. This is a controlling parent/rebellious child pairing. It could have disastrous results.

TAYLOR/HADLEY

Hadley is an easy baby. She needs calm, personalized attention. Taylor is the perfect parent in that regard. Hadley is agreeable and enthusiastic. She wants to try everything once but quickly drops it. This will annoy Taylor who will insist she stick with things. Hadley wants to be seen and heard and offers deep insights. She shuts down in the face of criticism and everything is criticism, especially with Taylor. They could have a low conflict relationship. However, if Hadley doesn't live up to Taylor's expectations. Hadley is easily led and hates leaving friends even though her friendships tend to be fluid. If Hadley is influenced by friends to do things Taylor doesn’t approve of, Taylor will come down hard on her. In her attempts to control and keep Hadley close, she will likely push her further and further away.

TAYLOR/SHELBY

Shelby is a quiet baby with a low threshold for excitement. She needs calm and consistent nurturing. Taylor will provide her with what she needs. However, Shelby won’t enjoy being dressed up and forced to be on display. Taylor will be embarrassed if Shelby resists. Taylor is proud of this well-behaved child. She will be eager to show off. Shelby prefers playing by herself, with her toys, or with her imaginary friends. She likes to daydream and doodle. Shelby is reserved around new people and bonds with a best friend. Shelby hates teams and groups and is highly sensitive to criticism. She can be a loner. Taylor will attempt to drag Shelby out of her shell, to get her to be active and more social. Taylor may become too forceful in her preferences. The more Taylor pushes, the more Shelby retreats, turning her pain inward. It could be a lifetime of unmet needs for both of them.

TAYLOR/JOSS

Joss is a quiet but busy child. He is a fearless daredevil. He accepts structure and concrete rules but needs flexibility. He asks permission but finds a way around it if told “no.” He grows bored when options are limited. Joss is a major challenge for Taylor. He will prove an exhausting child. He won’t conform. Joss takes things apart to see how they work, but doesn’t tell anyone what he learns. Taylor won’t appreciate finding their toaster disassembled. She will take it as a personal affront. She will deem him destructive. Joss gets lost in his hobbies. He is a good student, but chafes at rote learning. He gets in trouble for not paying attention or sitting still. This will embarrass and enrage Taylor. Why can’t he just do as he is told? The more Taylor attempts to make Joss conform, the more he pulls away from her. The more Joss acts out, the more Taylor attempts to rein him in. They are nearly polar opposites. Joss is not likely to appreciate Taylor’s smothering and controlling behavior. Taylor won’t appreciate Joss's independence, especially if it makes her look bad. They could very well become bitter enemies.

TAYLOR/KELLY

Kelly is a freedom-loving, active, and cranky baby. If Taylor expects a consistent schedule, she is out of luck. Kelly can't sit still and play alone. He craves attention and creates chaos to get it. He transplants easily. He won't abide by rules or conform. This makes him a nightmare for Taylor. Kelly collects friends and needs to be on the move. He is a ringleader of mischief. He needs firm hand, not Taylor’s iron fist. Kelly can be self-destructive if thwarted. Kelly will embarrass her and she may make excuses for him to avoid blame or public censure. Kelly can charm her and get her to come around. He learns how to manipulate early. However, he will push it too far for forgiveness. Taylor won’t wish to enable Kelly, but will be at a loss as to how to manage him. Kelly has no desire to be managed. It could be a very dysfunctional relationship with heartbreak likely for Taylor.

TAYLOR/GREER

Greer is happy and easy going. He can’t handle chaos and needs routine and safety. Taylor will be happy to provide these things for this easy yet odd child. He prefers to play alone but likes to explore. Greer asks challenging questions, which will test her patience. Greer enjoys fantasy, mystery, inventing, and thinking. Greer isn’t interested in being fussed over or the center of attention. Greer can't handle emotionally gooey parents. He needs space. Taylor has a problem with boundaries and can be smothering. When criticized, Greer doubts himself and takes criticism hard. As Taylor attempts to fit Greer into her mold, he will become depressed and retreat further into his imaginary world. Greer will never be the model child Taylor likes to show off. He is likely to develop ideas and beliefs contrary to hers. Taylor will be disappointed in him and he will feel rejected by her. It can lead to a lifetime of misunderstanding.

TAYLOR/TAYLOR

Child Taylor needs peace and calm. Parent Taylor provides a loving stable nest. Child Taylor is friendly and values harmony. Pleasing others makes her happy. Together they have a mutually satisfying relationship. Child Taylor takes charge of the playroom and siblings. Parent Taylor will see her child as her mini-me. Child Taylor is hurt if she senses disapproval or if her efforts are rejected. She overextends herself by trying to play with everyone and must be reined in. They are so similar, Parent Taylor should understand this child. If she doesn’t, vying for control could become contentious. Taylor can be overprotective and over-involved and Child Taylor could feel suffocated. Taylor can become overly enmeshed in her children’s life. Child Taylor wants to please and since both can have fuzzy boundaries, the situation could grow toxic. It may be hard to know when one ends and the other begins.

TAYLOR/CAM

Cam is a quiet, low maintenance child. He won’t ask for anything, even for what he needs. He is good because it’s important to be good not to please others. He expects everyone else to be good too: caregivers, siblings, teachers, and friends. Taylor provides the loving, nurturing home he needs. Cam spends a lot of time daydreaming and thinking. His questioning of authority and probing questions make Taylor squirm. It is important to her for him to conform. Cam is self-regulating and responsible. In that regard, Taylor will be proud of him. Cam won’t cause her problems at school or in the community with bad behavior. However, Cam develops his own belief system and does not conform to what others believe. This is an area where Taylor and Cam have conflict. The more Taylor attempts to control Cam, the more he withdraws to protect. Cam’s choices and belief could embarrass Taylor. She will be enraged by his questioning. She is very sure of her opinions. She takes challenges as personal insults. If they fall on opposite sides of a belief system, their relationship will be strained. The more Taylor attempts to manipulate and control him, the further Cam drifts.

TAYLOR/MORGAN

Morgan is a lively baby. He walks, talks, and gets into everything early. He might do them all a little differently. Morgan has a lively questioning mind. He takes risks and outwits dim caregivers, teachers, or other authority figures. Morgan will frustrate Taylor. The more she attempts to restrain him, the more Morgan acts out. Morgan is outgoing. He likes to orchestrate activities, assign roles, and oversee the progress. Morgan likes creative projects and follows his unique interests wherever they lead. His penchant for invention is evident early on. Taylor will admire his intelligence and ingenuity. Morgan is irritated when he doesn't get his way. Taylor will find Morgan a mixed blessing. On one hand, he will challenge her. On the other hand his accomplishments may make her look good. Morgan doesn't do group activities and will not want to engage in his mother's parties and attempts to show him off. He can be a clown and will try to charm Taylor out of being angry. This relationship could go either way. They could muddle along without a serious rift. If Taylor becomes too interfering and controlling, Morgan could turn on her and would have no problem leaving her behind.

TAYLOR/LEE

Lee is a high-demand baby. She proves exhausting to the most attentive caregiver. She knows her own mind from the day she can talk and tells you what she wants and does not want. Taylor will find her difficult. If Taylor has different plans and goals for Lee, she will be met with stubborn resistance. Lee excels at whatever she chooses to participate in. She is in competition with herself not others, but Taylor may take it personally. Lee is a leader on the playground and becomes the enemy of anyone who doesn’t follow along. She is the quintessential queen bee. Taylor will admire Lee on one hand but be furious that she can't control her. Lee wants to be in charge of herself and her environment. She has a very dominant personality. She won't show Taylor the deference she thinks she deserves. The further Lee moves from Taylor’s beliefs and expectations, the greater the conflict. Lee won’t care about approval. She will easily leave Taylor behind. This will crush Taylor. Didn’t she sacrifice everything? Give everything? How can Lee be so ungrateful?

TAYLOR/RIVER

River is a quiet baby. She is content to observe the world. She needs peace and quiet to thrive and Taylor provides this. River will blossom under Taylor’s personal attention and dedication. River lives in a dream world most of the time. Taylor will have to drag her kicking and screaming to play groups or to the playground. This will frustrate Taylor. This is her good child. Why won’t she cooperate? River has one or two friends. Her emotional skin is thin. She sees the world as treacherous and trust is vital. The more Taylor attempts to manipulate her to do the things she expects, the more it hurts River. She takes Taylor's pressure as criticism. River hates violence and discord. She needs peace and continuity. River wants to please Taylor. She will blame herself when she fails. This dynamic could become highly dysfunctional if River's self-esteem plummets. If River is attracted to the mystical, perhaps paranormal, it will feel like aberrant behavior to Taylor. It will take a lot for River to break free of Taylor’s control.

Next week, we introduce CAM.

If you want to learn more, you can check out Mastering Character Development and the Story Building Blocks website for free tools and forms.

You can follow new posts on this topic on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/storybuildingblocks or opt for an email through follow.it.

You can get more insight into character development by picking up a copy of Story Building Blocks II: Crafting Believable Conflict or the fill-in the blank Build A Cast Workbook.

As always, if you find this information useful, hit the like button and share.

16 Parents and Children Greer

The sixteen profiles can be either male or female. I alternated he and she. The character can be a father, mother, grandparent, aunt, uncle, foster family, or other primary caregiver.

This post will focus on the mannequin GREER.

Greer is the ultimate absent-minded professor. Greer passes down curiosity and love of learning. He wants to be competent and admires this trait in his children. He is not very good at saying it and finds emotional demands difficult. Greer isn’t interested in molding them to his image. He respects their individuality. Greer gets lost in his work and hobbies and he forgets birthdays and special events. He isn’t a hands-on caregiver. He leaves them to raise themselves or counts on someone else to do it. Though Greer comes across as absent or uninvolved, he cares deeply. He isn’t overly structured or organized. He becomes resentful and withdraws when anxious. A wild child will lose his respect and he will shut down when around them. Greer fares best with self-regulating introverts. Serious violations would be met with scathing analytical outbursts. Greer hears criticism of his children as functional: child doesn’t do x,y, or z. Greer will apply himself to helping the child overcome the obvious but not the emotional subtext. Greer can be oblivious to motives and emotional needs. He is naturally drawn to Greer, Joss, Morgan, Shelby, and Cam. His opposite is Nevada

GREER/WYNN

Wynn is easy to please and seeks approval. She needs clear, consistent rules and a secure routine. While Greer is fondly tolerant, he isn’t the most organized. Things get missed, like bill payments and groceries and housekeeping. Wynn will feel the need to pick up the pieces. Greer pretty much expects Wynn to be self-sufficient and she may feel very lost. Though not typically abusive, Greer’s potential physical absence and absent-mindedness can feel unsafe to Wynn. When stressed, both suffer silently. Wynn will not get the emotional support she needs. She won’t understand why she isn’t more important than the family dog. She will try to pull what she needs from Greer, and he simply won’t understand the request. They speak different languages. This sets up a lifetime of unmet needs and misunderstandings. If it comes to a crises and Greer tells Wynn that though he didn’t show it, he loved her deeply, Wynn will hate him for not telling her sooner.

GREER/FRANCIS

Francis needs order, structure, calm, and a predictable schedule. He is not comfortable with new people or situations. He clings to close friends. Greer can seem unorganized and inattentive. This will make Francis anxious. He will feel the need to take the reins way too early if Greer is the only caregiver. Francis likes group events where he can show off his competence. If his competence is questioned frequently, it results in low self-esteem. Greer will appreciate his competence. He just won’t voice it. Francis becomes rigid in the face of uncertainty and could be a bully. Greer won’t know what to do with a bullying Francis. Francis struggles with overly emotional people and Greer is distant. Francis is meticulous and puts schoolwork before play. Francis is the self-regulating child Greer expects him to be. Francis won’t feel loved or appreciated for what Greer takes for granted. If these two ever have a heart-to-heart, Francis will be surprised to find Greer loved him. And Greer will be surprised by the ways he let Francis down. Of course he approved of Francis and appreciated him. And Francis could say it is too little too late.

GREER/NEVADA

Nevada needs structure, security, and personal attention. If he doesn’t get it, he becomes clingy. He craves acceptance and is eager to please. Greer will not give him personal attention. Luckily, Nevada does what he is expected to do. He follows the rules if fair and reasonable. He speaks out against unfairness. He is furious when other people break the rules. Greer will appreciate this. Unfortunately, Greer’s physical and emotional absence will turn Nevada against him. Nevada becomes resentful and angry if he doesn't get the praise he seeks. Greer isn’t one to voice his approval or admiration, taking it for granted that the child should know. Nevada struggles to conform to new situations. Greer is likely to remain in the same place, lost in the same endeavors, his whole life. He isn’t adventurous. In this regard, they muddle along fairly well. Nevada will raise himself and resent Greer for having to do so. Nevada could become the parent in the situation, constantly picking up the slack from forgetful Greer. Nevada can become willfully obstinate if violated. Though Greer would not take the time to remonstrate with Nevada, his neglect can be just as damaging. In a crisis moment, Nevada would be shocked to know how much his absent father loved him. He would have appreciated knowing that sooner. If they ever have a confrontation, Greer will be shocked by his child 's resentment.

GREER/ARDEN

Arden is an active toddler but isn’t a snuggler. He hates standing still and that can be exhausting. Greer will be annoyed by the level of activity. Greer would be the type to invent a baby cage or hire a nanny. Arden likes to experiment and needs constant activity and change. He grows sullen and depressed if deprived of opportunities. Greer isn’t the most active parent so Arden will be left to his own devices. Arden could quickly spiral out of control. Arden is curious and likes to disassemble things. He is eager to share his findings. Greer and Arden could bond over that. Arden wants to impress and wants to earn those trophies and badges. He wants to excel. Although Greer might fondly admire Arden’s achievements, he won’t voice it. Arden can resort to acting up to get attention or break up the monotony. The more Arden acts up, the further Greer drifts. This is another situation where Arden would be shocked by his father’s love and Greer will be shocked by how much he let Arden down. Arden could become very self-destructive or turn the resentment into fuel. Arden could become very successful, leaving his absent father behind. Greer won't be included in family festivities.

GREER/BLAIR

Blair needs love and nurturing. Greer being an absent, inattentive, or busy caregiver makes her feel lost. Blair needs a solid foundation from which to flit. Luckily for Greer, Blair is quiet and plays by herself, inventing her own world. She is artistic and highly sensitive, a daydreamer. She is pleasant and kind and nurturing toward others. Greer will appreciate this drama-free, calm child. Blair makes special gifts and is quick to express emotion. She will not get the same in return. Blair rebels if restricted and resists change. Greer is likely to be stable, even stationary. However, if Blair becomes rebellious, Greer will further bury himself in work or endeavors. This leaves Blair to spiral out of control. Greer will resent her for it. He won’t understand why this seemingly perfect child suddenly becomes a problem. She won’t know that he loves her. It may take something disastrous for him to tell her so. There is plenty of room for conflict in this pairing.

GREER/DALLAS

Dallas is a restless child. She is suffocated by restrictions or cloying caregivers. She isn’t a cuddler. She is a dangerous loose cannon and will try anything. She needs to be corralled. Greer may literally corral her, leave her to the other parent to deal with, or hire a nanny. Dallas is a ringleader of her siblings or in school. Her attention is fleeting. She doesn’t do anything long enough to master it. This will annoy Greer. She has potential, why doesn’t she use it? Dallas hates being stuck at a desk listening to other people talk. She forgets to do what she is supposed to. They share that trait, so necessary things may go undone to the point they are evicted or go bankrupt. If unchecked, Dallas becomes a very wild child. Greer will be annoyed by her behavior. Even though he loves her he won’t understand her. Dallas won’t know that he loves her and will resent him for leaving her free to fall apart. Dallas will act up to feel seen. It could become truly tragic.

GREER/HADLEY

Hadley is an easy baby. She needs calm, personalized attention. Greer is calm, but not always present mentally or physically. Hadley is agreeable and enthusiastic. She wants to try everything once but quickly drops it. This will annoy Greer. Why can’t she master something, anything? Greer wants to be seen and heard and offers deep insights. Greer might appreciate the insights but will not make her feel seen. Hadley shuts down in the face of criticism and everything is criticism. This will annoy Greer. Is she intentionally misunderstanding him? Hadley is easily led and hates leaving friends even though her friendships tend to be fluid. Unfortunately, with Greer not being tuned in, Hadley could be led down a dangerous or destructive path. Greer expects her to guide herself and Hadley may not be able to do that in a healthy way, especially if she feels unloved. She may go to unhealthy lengths to feel love. Hadley would be shocked to hear he loved her deeply. He just didn’t understand her. He will be shocked to learn the million tiny cuts he delivered by letting her down and not telling her or showing her how much he loved her.

GEER/SHELBY

Shelby is a quiet baby with a low threshold for excitement. She needs calm and consistent nurturing. Too much handling, moving around, and chaos make her cranky. She cries to escape the torture when caregivers shake her up and show her off. In this regard, Greer is the perfectly calm parent for Shelby. Shelby likes playing by herself, with her toys, or with her imaginary friends. She likes to daydream and doodle. Greer will be happy that she amuses herself and doesn’t ask for much. Shelby hates teams and groups and is highly sensitive to criticism. Greer’s lack of involvement may feel like criticism. Shelby may wonder what she is doing wrong since he doesn’t seem that invested. Shelby is reserved around new people and bonds with a best friend. She can be a loner. Greer will understand that. Shelby turns her pain inward. Neither will express their emotions, so Shelby could suffer in silence for a long time. When the tipping point comes, Greer will be shocked by her level of pain over his neglect. Shelby will be shocked to learn he really did love her. He just wasn’t good at showing it.

GREER/JOSS

Joss is a quiet but busy child. He is a fearless daredevil. He accepts structure and concrete rules but needs flexibility. Greer will find him a challenge. Joss asks permission but finds a way around it if told “no.” He grows bored when options are limited. Joss takes things apart to see how they work, but doesn’t tell anyone what he learns. So even if they shared an interest, they might not communicate it. They might both be shocked to learn they share an interest. Both get lost in work and hobbies. Joss is a good student, but chafes at rote learning. Joss gets in trouble for not paying attention or sitting still. This will annoy Greer who expects Joss to do the right thing without supervision. Greer will mind if Joss fails at school. Joss tries harder to control his world if it spirals out of control. Greer is forgetful but not unstable. Greer is unlikely to have a turbulent lifestyle. He may, however, forget to pay bills and such. Neither are good at pesky details. This could cause problems for them both. While they don’t butt heads often, this pairing doesn’t have much in common either. The distance can continue to grow until they no longer connect.

GREER/KELLY

Kelly is a freedom-loving, active, and cranky baby. If his caregivers crave a consistent schedule, they are out of luck. He transplants easily. Kelly can't sit still and play alone. He craves attention and creates chaos to get it. Kelly is Greer’s worst nightmare. Greer won’t appreciate having his concentration broken to deal with this child. Kelly won't abide by rules or conform. He collects friends and needs to be on the move. He is a ringleader of mischief. He needs firm hand, not an iron fist. Greer will either turn him over to another parent or nanny to deal with or find someone else to shove him off on. This could make Kelly self-destructive. Kelly learns how to manipulate early and become a bully. Greer will dislike this child intensely. He won’t understand what motivates him to be the way he is. Kelly will dislike Greer for being a boring, cold, neglectful parent. They are likely to become lifelong enemies. Greer won’t understand what Kelly needed and Kelly won’t understand why his father just didn’t seem to care what happened to him.

GREER/GREER

Child Greer is happy, easy going, and likes to explore. He happily plays alone. Child Greer asks odd challenging questions. Both enjoy fantasy, mystery, inventing, and thinking. Child Greer isn’t interested in being fussed over or the center of attention. Child Greer is the perfect child for parent Greer. Parent Greer provides the low-key routine and safety child Greer thrives on. They could share a love of books and movies. They could have a lot in common and enjoy experimenting and exploring the same things. Parent Greer provides just the right amount of interest and tolerance for child Greer. Child Greer is prone to doubting himself and takes criticism hard. Parent Greer won’t criticize him, so they should have a fairly peaceful life together. Things will be forgotten like bills and household chores, which could be a problem. It really should be a low-conflict relationship. They could become immersed in separate endeavors, each having respect for the other but never really connecting. Both would be surprised at how much love the other feels.

GREER/TAYLOR

Taylor needs peace and calm and Greer provides that. Taylor is friendly and values harmony. Pleasing others makes her happy. She will strive for Greer’s approval but he will never voice it. Taylor takes charge of the playroom and siblings. She will probably be in charge of the home from an early age, making up for Greer’s forgetfulness. Taylor will be hurt that Greer doesn’t acknowledge her efforts. Taylor overextends herself by trying to play with everyone and must be reined in. Greer won’t be the one to do so. He won't want the parties and upheaval in his home. An absent or busy Greer allows Taylor to spiral out of control. This could be disastrous for them both. Taylor could wreck his serenity. Greer could be so neglectful, Taylor becomes lost. She could end up in a dangerous or abusive situation. Taylor could also end up being Greer’s caregiver and resent him for it. It will take a crisis for Greer to tell Taylor how much he loved her. It may be too little too late.

GREER/CAM

Cam is a quiet, low maintenance child. He won’t ask for anything, even for what he needs. He is good because it’s important to be good, not to please others. He expects everyone else to be good too: caregivers, siblings, teachers, and friends. He is self-regulating and responsible. Greer will appreciate this child’s good behavior. Unfortunately, Greer may be so forgetful that Cam doesn’t get the bare necessities of food, clothing, and school supplies. Cam spends a lot of time daydreaming and thinking and so does Greer. It is likely to be a quiet, yet messy, household. Greer may have to start working early. Cam’s questioning of authority and probing questions will delight Greer. They are capable of amiable debate. Both withdraw to protect. It would be like watching two snails bump into each other. Cam develops his own belief system and does not conform to what others believe. As long as he is aligned with Greer’s opinions, it should be smooth sailing. If not, it could be a source of tension. Neither will give ground. They won’t shout it out. They may simply drift apart, neither understanding or stating how much they care.

GREER/MORGAN

Morgan is a lively baby. He walks, talks, and gets into everything early. He might do them all a little differently. Caregivers who expect everything to happen on time and in the right way are frustrated. He has a lively questioning mind. He takes risks and outwits dim caregivers, teachers, or other authority figures. Morgan will be a nightmare for Greer. Green will pawn him off on someone. Morgan likes creative projects and follows his unique interests wherever they lead. His penchant for invention is evident early on. They could share passions in this area. Greer will encourage Morgan’s efforts. Morgan is outgoing. He likes to orchestrate activities, assign roles, and oversee the progress. He is irritated when he doesn't get his way. Morgan could be the dominant force in this relationship. Morgan may resent his father being an absent-minded professor and Greer may be irritated by Morgan’s attempts to manage him and get things done. Neither likes group activities, though Morgan generally likes people and can be a clown. They won’t be the ones hosting birthday parties and holiday celebrations. They could have a positive impact on one another’s interests or find themselves totally at odds.

GREER/LEE

Lee is a high-demand baby. If placed with absent or self-absorbed Greer, she screams until someone pays attention to her. It most likely won’t be Greer. He will hide in his work or lab. Lee proves exhausting to the most attentive caregiver. She knows her own mind from the day she can talk and tells you what she wants and does not want. Caregivers with different plans and goals for her are met with stubborn resistance. Lee excels at whatever she chooses to participate in. She is in competition with herself not others, but they might not realize it. Greer may admire her accomplishments but will never say so. Lee is a leader on the playground and becomes the enemy of anyone who doesn’t follow along. She is the quintessential queen bee. Lee will end up running that household. She will feel contempt for Greer’s forgetfulness. Greer will resent her criticism and accusations of being ineffectual. To caregivers with Lee’s temperament, Lee is the perfect child. To rigid caregivers, she is a pain. With Greer, she scares him a little. Lee can grow impatient with this parent and move on or spend her life continually trying to manage him. Conflicts are a given.

GREER/RIVER

River is a docile baby. She is content to observe the world. She needs peace and quiet to thrive. She lives in a dream world most of the time. Greer will appreciate this low-demand child, though he may forget to tend her properly. Greer will provide a calm if not efficient home life. River prefers one or two friends. So does Greer. It won’t be a party house. River’s emotional skin is thin. She naturally sees the world as treacherous and trust is vital. River may not feel she can trust Greer because he isn’t firmly in control of everything. They both get lost in thought and activities. River and Greer hate violence and discord. They won’t fight. It would be a very quiet home full of unspoken needs and emotions. River may become lost or be led into another kind of life. Greer will be sad but he won’t stop her. They could muddle on together if forced to live together for the rest of Greer’s life. River would end up being the caretaker with her needs never met. River would be shocked to know how deeply Greer was capable of loving her.

Next week, we will introduce TAYLOR.

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