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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