Agatha Christie And Then There Were None

Agatha Christie is a grand master of mystery. She specialized in the locked house mystery and "who will die next" formula. My mother was a huge mystery and horror genre fan. And Then There Were None was both. I began reading Christie's books at age eleven and reread them occasionally today. 

*** SPOILER ALERT***

To begin, a group of seemingly random people arrive at a remote manor home on a deserted Island for a party. 

“Best part of an island is once you get there - you can't go any farther...you've come to the end of things...”

As the bodies pile up, backstories and the reason for their attendance is revealed. Each has been found guilty of a crime decided by a judge of one and have been invited to their own execution.

"There was a silence—a comfortable replete silence. Into that silence came The Voice. Without warning, inhuman, penetrating . . . “Ladies and gentlemen! Silence, please! . . . You are charged with the following indictments.”

Christie writes in third person omniscient. The writing is spare. Descriptions kept to a minimum. The audience is clued in to the connections and murder accusations one at a time. There is a poem about Ten Little Indians that hangs in each bedroom, a template for what is to come.

"There was no one on the island but their eight selves."

Each guest has a secret, but not all of them carry guilt. Their crimes are revealed one after the other.

“But it does come! The blessed relief when you know that you’ve done with it all—that you haven’t got to carry the burden any longer. You’ll feel that too, someday…”

The tension comes from the "who will die next" aspect, the claustrophobia of no escape, and the paranoia and fear created by not knowing where the monster is and when it will strike next. This is a critical technique to keep in mind when writing horror.

“I don't know. I don't know at all. And that's what's frightening the life out of me. To have no idea....” 

If there is a weakness, it is that some of the "crimes" were sort of soft crimes: negligence or incompetence. The victims are not all guilty of atrocity, so the justice is a little unbalanced.

"I must say that I watched the faces of my guests closely during that indictment and I had no doubt whatever, after my long court experience, that one and all were guilty."

In addition to the stage play and movies based on the actual novel, her techniques have been utilized in countless mystery and horror novels and films. She also utilized a poem in Crooked House, another technique worth borrowing. New adaptions of Christie novels into movies have been filmed in recent years and the series continues.

I incorporated a few of the techniques in Mythikas Island. My characters are on a deserted island with no way off and no foreknowledge of the dangers they face. Secrets are revealed. Suspicion and paranoia heighten the tension. 

And Then There Were None was published in 1939. You can pick up a copy here. One of Christie's books still sells every seven minutes. That is the type of immortality writers strive for. 

Christie's son decided to allow author Sophie Hannah to continue his mother's legacy. She has written new "Christie" novels resurrecting the cozy sleuth Hercule Poirot in a new series

Hercule Poirot's Silent Night: A Novel 

Closed Casket: A New Hercule Poirot Mystery

The Mystery of Three Quarters: The New Hercule Poirot Mystery 

The Killings at Kingfisher Hill: The New Hercule Poirot Mystery

I have not yet read the new series. I have to admit I have mixed feelings about someone taking on another writer's character and world, especially when they aren't around to object or approve. But Sophie Hannah is a good writer of her own material. So you can decide for yourself.

I highly recommend studying Christie for story structure. For my dissection of another of her works, Crooked House, check out this six post series on Dissecting Christie.

Dissecting Christie Part 1

Dissecting Christie Part 2

Dissecting Christie Part 3

Dissecting Christie Part 4

Dissecting Christie Part 5

Dissecting Christie Part 6

16 Parents and Children River

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 RIVER.

River is patient, intensely loving, and devoted. She showers loving affirmations and gifts. She is hurt if they don’t return the favor. River wants to be admired for her wisdom and desire for harmony. She has high ideals. River is always vaguely dissatisfied because things are never perfect. She is easily hurt if nurturing is rejected. River tries to teach right from wrong, though her definitions may be a bit different. River supports individualism. She wants her children to think for themselves. She isn’t terribly social and her mystic bent can prove embarrassing. River tends to overshare her feelings and is constantly taking everyone’s emotional temperature. River takes objective statements as criticism and she can’t handle criticism. River can be selfless. She will make sacrifices for the good of others. She is gentle until she feels violated. River represses negative emotions until she bursts. River can be critical and self-absorbed. She ignores misbehavior until she can't. River needs a partner to play bad cop. She can enforce firm rules if they make her children unhappy. River will defend her children against outside criticism. She will cover up misdeeds and make excuses. Her children are special and misunderstood. Her children may not be psychically sensitive, but very adept at manipulation. She is naturally drawn to River, Wynn, Cam, Taylor, and Shelby. Her complete opposite is Kelly.

RIVER/WYNN

Wynn is easy to please and seeks approval. She needs clear, consistent rules and routine. River is a very nurturing parent. She will provide the safe space for Wynn to thrive. River can be a bit smothering, which Wynn will struggle with. This should be a fairly peaceful pairing. River wants to make her child happy and Wynn wants to make her happy. There could be disagreements over belief systems or rules, but it will be mild. Both suffer in silence and repress until they explode. River might be too offbeat for Wynn. They will muddle along with small misunderstandings that could build. If their beliefs differ significantly, it will create a rift. Wynn could be led by other people to rebel against her mother’s expectations. River will be deeply hurt that Wynn turned against her. It would take a serious crisis for them to blow and create a permanent rift.

RIVER/FRANCIS

Francis needs order, structure, calm, and a predictable schedule. He is not comfortable with new people or situations. River provides the safe nest for Francis to thrive. Francis clings to close friends and so does River. Francis likes group events where he can show off his competence. This situation causes River anxiety. She isn’t a group oriented person. She isn’t interested in ambition and badges and awards. She may be proud of her child, but not eager to join in. She does like to be of service though, and could volunteer for something out of the limelight. River is more likely to praise Francis and build his self-esteem. He struggles with overly emotional people, which River can be. Francis is meticulous and puts schoolwork before play. Francis becomes rigid in the face of uncertainty and could be a bully. River is a fairly stable, easy-going parent but finds it difficult to impose her will or rules. If Francis finds her easy to manipulate, it could get ugly. He could be intolerant of River’s mystical bent. Francis is more mainstream. She could embarrass him. Francis will do everything he can to escape from that and prove he isn’t part of an aberrant system. On the other hand, Francis is an enforcer. If they share a belief system, he could be more rigid and extreme than River.

RIVER/NEVADA

Nevada needs structure, security and personal attention. He craves acceptance and is eager to please. River gives him the environment he needs to thrive. Nevada does what he is expected to do. He follows the rules if fair and reasonable. Nevada struggles to conform to new situations. He speaks out against unfairness. He is furious when other people break the rules. As long as River’s belief system doesn’t push Nevada too far out of his comfort zone, they will be mutually supportive. Nevada can turn against River if she lets him down. River will lavish Nevada with the praise he desires. She won’t intentionally try to control him or press him in directions he doesn’t want to go. Their point of contention could be River’s belief system or mysticism. This could prove embarrassing to Nevada. He becomes willfully obstinate if violated. However, Nevada is a shepherd type and if he embraces River’s belief system, he could easily fold in and become an effective part of the community. It would take something extraordinary to cause a massive rift between them. They would more likely find themselves on opposite sides of an idealogical chasm.

RIVER/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. River’s peaceful refuge might prove suffocating for Arden. He is curious and likes to disassemble things. He is eager to share his findings. He isn’t a snuggler. He hates standing still and that can be exhausting. River will take it as rejections. Arden wants to impress and wants to earn those trophies and badges. He wants to excel. While River will appreciate his skill, she isn’t keen on the competition angle. She wants peace and cooperation. She might not support Arden in the ways he needs. Arden can resort to acting up to get attention or break up the monotony. River will not understand and she isn’t good at discipline and redirecting him. They could hurt each other in small ways and spend a lifetime misunderstanding each other. River won’t understand when Arden takes off to explore his interests and leaves her behind.

RIVER/BLAIR

Blair needs love and nurturing. She needs a solid foundation from which to flit. River will provide the peaceful loving nest where Blair will thrive but the flitting will make her anxious. Blair is quiet and plays by herself, inventing her own world. She is artistic and highly sensitive, a daydreamer like her parent. Blair is pleasant and kind and nurturing toward others. Also like her parent. They exchange special gifts. Blair isn’t rebellious unless restricted and River isn’t good with boundaries or enforcement. Neither likes conflict and drama. They may never tell each other if they hurt or let each other down. Both are driven to heal rifts. It would take Blair flitting off and flirting with something pretty drastic to cause a rift with River. They could find themselves disagreeing on a belief system or ideology.

RIVER/DALLAS

Dallas is a restless child. She is suffocated by River’s cloying attention. Dallas isn’t a cuddler which River will take as rejection. Dallas is a dangerous loose cannon and will try anything. She needs to be corralled. River simply doesn’t know how. River will be at a loss as to how to deal with this rebel. Dallas is a ringleader of her siblings or in school. She may rule the roost instead of River. Dallas’s 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. River will be disappointed by Dallas’s actions but will blame herself. What did she do wrong? Why isn’t this child appreciative of what she has? Why can’t she behave? If unchecked, Dallas becomes a very wild child. River will make excuses for Dallas and likely enable her all while feeling very hurt by what she sees as betrayal. Dallas could despise a parent she sees as dull and weak.

RIVER/HADLEY

Hadley is an easy baby. River supplies the calm, personalized attention Hadley needs. Hadley is agreeable and enthusiastic. She wants to try everything once but quickly drops it. This will disappoint River. She isn’t a pushy parent and she doesn’t have a specific goal for Hadley but she wants her to do what is expected. Hadley wants to be seen and heard and offers deep insights. River and Hadley can have a very deep friendship and bond over their belief system. Both are generally kind and don’t thrive on drama. Even though River is nurturing, Hadley shuts down in the face of criticism. When River offers advice and guidance it will be misconstrued as criticism. River won’t know what the problem is because Hadley won’t express it. Hadley hates leaving friends even though her friendships tend to be fluid. She is easily led and if she becomes involved in other belief systems or alternative ways of life, she could leave River feeling deserted and disrespected. If her daughter moves on and moves off, it will feel like the worst betrayal. Hadley isn’t intentionally cruel but will cause damage with casual neglect.

RIVER/SHELBY

Shelby is a quiet baby with a low threshold for excitement. River provides calm and consistent nurturing. Too much handling, moving around, and chaos makes Shelby cranky. River can be a little too enmeshed. Shelby likes playing by herself, with her toys, or with her imaginary friends. She likes to daydream and doodle. River is the same. They can share a love of quiet pursuits likes books and crystals. Shelby hates teams and groups and River won’t push her to do join in. This can cause problems at school. Shelby is reserved around new people and bonds with a best friend. She can be a loner. River understands and shares these tendencies. Shelby is highly sensitive to criticism and she will face criticism at school. The other kids might think them odd. Both turn their pain inward. River may miss Shelby’s depression and anxiety. She will defend her child to the school and rail against the bullies. River would likely home school Shelby rather than make her conform. This might not be the best way to teach Shelby how to navigate life. The two could end up dysfunctionally enmeshed.

RIVER/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. River will find him to be a handful. Joss takes things apart to see how they work, but doesn’t tell anyone what he learns. He gets lost in his hobbies. Joss is a good student, but chafes at rote learning. He gets in trouble for not paying attention or sitting still. River will defend him at school. She will say the school and teachers are the problem. Joss and River aren’t likely to clash much. River is a doting, tolerant parent and Joss may be more adventurous but isn’t openly rebellious unless a core value is violated. It would take something catastrophic to tear them apart or turn them against each other. Joss might not share his parent’s mystical bent. Depending on the level of River’s participation, it could cause disagreements. Joss is likely to go off on adventures and build a life separate from River and she will feel left behind despite her sacrifices.

RIVER/KELLY

Kelly is a freedom-loving, active, and cranky baby. If River craves a consistent schedule, she is 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. River is very attentive but is incapable of enforcing healthy boundaries. Kelly collects friends and needs to be on the move. He is a ringleader of mischief. He needs firm hand. Kelly will get away with too much. River isn’t capable of reining him in. He will run rings around her. Kelly can be self-destructive if thwarted. He will ridicule River’s attempts to influence him and her belief system. Kelly is a man of the world, and River is a spiritual earth mother. It is a pairing of opposites. There is plenty of room for conflict. Kelly learns how to manipulate early and can become a bully. He could easily control River. She will be hurt by his treatment but be unable to turn the tables and take control.

RIVER/GREER

Greer is happy, easy-going, and likes to explore. He needs routine and safety. He happily plays alone. He asks odd challenging questions. River will enjoy nurturing this easy child. However, Greer won’t like River fussing over him. She may suffocate him. River will be charmed by his quirks. Greer enjoys fantasy, mystery, inventing, and thinking. They could easily be involved in the same belief system. Greer doubts himself and can take criticism hard. Criticism will come from the outside world and other students. River will defend him against them all. They are in the wrong, not her child. River can be an overprotective mother, keeping Greer from achieving full maturity. They could become too enmeshed. If Greer did make it off to college, he might start to question River’s beliefs and methods. He could come home a critical stranger. River will feel betrayed. She thought she had the perfect child. How could he turn his back on her?

RIVER/TAYLOR

River provides the peace and calm Taylor needs to thrive. Taylor is friendly and values harmony. Pleasing others makes her happy. They will be supporting and nurturing to each other. Taylor takes charge of playroom and siblings. She may take charge of the household. River will probably fondly step back and allow it. She wants her children to be happy. That might not be in Taylor’s best interest. Taylor is hurt if she senses disapproval or if her efforts are rejected. The problem comes from the outside with other people. Taylor overextends herself by trying to play with everyone. River isn’t good and reining her in. Taylor could spiral out of control simply because River wants her to have everything. No one should have everything. Taylor is set up for an unrealistic idea of what a healthy relationship looks like. She will meet disapproval and criticism. River will comfort her saying it isn’t her, it’s them. Taylor is perfect. The other people are wrong. If Taylor escapes River’s echo chamber, she may realize her mother has faults and maybe question her beliefs and opinions. River will be hurt by this. They won’t have a massive fight, but perhaps have a lifetime of mutual disapproval and hurt feelings.

RIVER/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. River will provide the nurturing calm life Cam needs to thrive. He spends a lot of time daydreaming and thinking. His questioning of authority and probing questions make River squirm. Cam is self regulating and responsible. He won’t cause River a lot of trouble. The conflict happens when Cam develops his own belief system and does not conform to what others believe. If he turns against River’s beliefs and opinions, she will be hurt and offended. Why is he doing this to her? Didn’t she give him everything? Didn’t she devote herself to his wellbeing? How can he betray her? Both withdraw to protect. There won’t be any screaming matched. Cam may come to despise his mother and move on to live a life different than hers. She will be crushed.

RIVER/MORGAN

Morgan is a lively baby. He walks, talks, and gets into everything early. He might do them all a little differently. If River expects everything to happen on time and in the right way, she will be frustrated. But she provides a calm and nurturing environment. Morgan has a lively questioning mind. He takes risks and outwits dim caregivers, teachers, or other authority figures. He may run rings around River. Morgan likes creative projects and follows his unique interests wherever they lead. His penchant for invention is evident early on. River may be enchanted by his exploration and invention. She will offer support and encouragement. Morgan is outgoing but doesn’t like group activities. He likes to orchestrate activities, assign roles, and oversee the progress. He may attempt to manage River. Morgan is irritated when he doesn't get his way. He will clown around and try to make her laugh if she expresses displeasure. River isn’t an authoritarian, so Morgan may get away with too much. It could develop into an enabling mother and a rogue of a child.

RIVER/LEE

Lee is a high-demand baby. She screams until someone pays attention to her. River offers a calm and nurturing environment, but 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. She is a more dominant force than River and will steamroll right over her. Lee excels at whatever she chooses to participate in. She is in competition with herself not others, but they might not realize it. She 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 likely learn to despise River and her unusual beliefs and her spiritual earth mother persona. Lee is very keen on money, success, and status. River values the opposite. They won’t have much in common. River may very well wonder where this child came from. Lee will easily leave River in the dust and River will be hurt by the betrayal. She will never get the appreciation for all her sacrifices and hard work. Those have no value for Lee and it actually makes her seem weak. Lee hates weakness. If anything forced Lee to return for some reason, it is unlikely they can heal the breach.

 RIVER/RIVER

Child River is a quiet baby. She is content to observe the world. Parent River provides the peace and quiet she needs to thrive. Both live in a dream world most of the time. They are so much alike, they should have a peaceful existence. They will probably share interests and beliefs. Both prefer one or two friends. Their emotional skin is thin. Other people look at them as odd. Both see the world as treacherous. Trust is vital. It doesn’t take much to make them lose trust. The outside world is too critical, too harsh, too cruel for this duo. They may become too enmeshed.Them against the world isn’t a healthy dynamic.Their mystical oasis free of violence and discord will crash up against the outside world. There will be rude awakenings. If anyone should come along to part them, they will be devastated. If Child River goes to college or takes a life partner, it can make Parent River depressed. She may feel abandoned.She will be fearful for her child out in the world without her. Child River’s partner may find the co-dependency too difficult to deal with.

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 Lee

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 LEE.

Lee is take-charge, no-nonsense, and emotionally aloof. It is her job to pass on her values and to make certain her children excel. She values independence and competence. She is strict and has high expectations. She has an organized home life. She has high social needs and throws lavish parties. She is materialistic and status conscious. She wants latest and greatest. She is not good with loving affirmations or praise. Lee will challenge their positions and expect them to be able to defend them. Lee expects good behavior and for them to follow her example. Lee will overlook a mistake once, but it better not be repeated. Lee expects her children to fall in line socially and academically. She reacts violently if they let her down or hurt her in the pocketbook. She may not have children at all. Lee is viewed as competent but not warm. She does not fare well with dreamy introverts. Lee ignores criticism but dishes it out liberally. Lee takes rebellion personally. She is harsh in her response. She is naturally compatible with Lee, Taylor, Arden, Morgan, and Cam. Her opposite is Blair.

LEE/WYNN

Wynn seeks approval and needs clear consistent rules and a secure routine. Lee will provide the stable home life Wynn needs. It just won’t be a warm, loving one. Wynn hates being punished for something she didn't do and Lee won’t take the time to investigate if it appears Wynn did something wrong. Wynn isn’t a rebel at heart. She wants to do the right thing. In that regard, Lee will treat her with fond tolerance. The trouble comes when Lee’s aggressive way of dealing with Wynn will be hard on her self-esteem. Wynn might not be able to meet Lee’s excessive expectations leading to poor self-esteem. Wynn will suffer silently. She won’t act out in obvious ways. She could turn to self harm. Lee would be horrified and angered by that. Lee is more likely to hide weakness and depression than get her help for it. It could be a very damaging, abusive relationship. Wynn simply isn’t strong enough to stand up to her.

LEE/FRANCIS

Francis needs order, structure, calm, and a predictable schedule. He is not comfortable with new people or situations. He clings to close friends. He likes group events where he can show off his competence. He is meticulous and puts schoolwork before play. Lee will be quite happy Francis follows the rules. She wants him to excel so he reflects well on her. Francis and Lee are likely to muddle along well as long as Francis falls in line with Lee’s expectations. Francis could develop other ideas or beliefs. Francis can be just as critical as Lee. Lee will not tolerate a challenge to her authority. If Lee frequently questions Francis’s competency, it results in low self-esteem. Francis becomes rigid in the face of uncertainty and could become a bully. Lee tends to be a bit of a bully, so the apple would not fall far from the tree. If a rift formed, it would be a grudge match.

LEE/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. He does what he is expected to do. This is all good for Lee. She is a little distant but will approve of his cooperation. Nevada follows the rules if fair and reasonable. He speaks out if Lee’s expectations are unfair. Lee won’t tolerate that. Nevada is furious when other people break the rules. Lee could break a rule in service of her goals. Nevada will turn against her if she does. Nevada becomes resentful and angry if he doesn't get the praise he seeks. Lee isn’t into praise. She expects him to know his own worth without coddling. Nevada struggles to conform to new situations. He becomes willfully obstinate if violated. If Nevada challenges Lee in any way, she will come down hard. They could end up fighting over everything and have an antagonistic dynamic that will cause a permanent rift.

LEE/ARDEN

Arden is an active toddler. He isn’t a snuggler, which is just as well for Lee. He likes to experiment and needs constant activity and change. He hates standing still and that can be exhausting. He grows sullen and depressed if deprived of opportunities. He is curious and likes to disassemble things. He is eager to share his findings. Lee won’t appreciate his discoveries. She will find him challenging. Arden wants to impress and wants to earn those trophies and badges. He wants to excel. Lee will support him in that, perhaps push him too hard and be very critical if he fails. Arden can resort to acting up to get attention or break up the monotony. Lee will bring down her iron fist. This can harm Arden’s self-esteem. Lee won’t be taking him to therapy. She would probably send him to military school.

LEE/BLAIR

Blair needs love and nurturing. If Lee is absent, inattentive or busy, Blair will feel lost. Lee provides a solid foundation from which Blair can flit, 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. This is a horrible match with Lee. She won’t have patience for Blair’s naval gazing and dreaming. She wants Blair to be a doer and an achiever. She has high expectations. Blair is pleasant and kind and nurturing toward others. She makes special gifts. Those won’t impress Lee. Lee’s attempts to make Blair into her own image will fail. Blair won’t openly rebel but she will sneak off. Blair will fly further as Lee attempts to reel her in. It could cause Blair to act out and leave home early to escape the criticism and judgment.

LEE/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. Lee will tamp her enthusiasm down. She will not appreciate Dallas’s shenanigans. Dallas is a ringleader of her siblings or in school. This will please Lee. However, Dallas’s 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. Lee won’t understand why this child with so much potential is messing it all up. The more Lee attempts to suppress Dallas, the more Dallas rebels. Dallas has no problem openly flouting Lee’s rules and expectations. She will gather allies and turn against Lee. It will be a fight for dominance. Neither will win, the relationship will just implode.

LEE/HADLEY

Hadley is an easy baby. She needs calm, personalized attention. Lee being busy and aggressive will make her anxious and fretful. Hadley is agreeable and enthusiastic. She wants to try everything once but quickly drops it. Lee will be annoyed by her lack of follow-through. Hadley wants to be seen and heard and offers deep insights. Lee won’t give her the type of attention and guidance she needs. Hadley shuts down in the face of criticism and Lee is highly critical. Hadley is easily led and hates leaving friends even though her friendships tend to be fluid. If Hadley is led into trouble with her friends, Lee will find a way to lock her up. She is likely to put her in a military school or re-education center. This response is overkill and will have the opposite effect. Hadley will likely spiral into depression and make even worse choices. She will resent Lee for being a drill sergeant when she desperately needed an ally.

LEE/SHELBY

Shelby is a quiet baby with a low threshold for excitement. She needs calm and consistent nurturing. Lee’s handling, moving around, and showing her off makes her cranky. She cries to escape the torture. Shelby prefers playing by herself, with her toys, or with her imaginary friends. She likes to daydream and doodle. Lee will attempt to pull her out of her shell and shove her into acceptable activities. Shelby 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. All of this will disappoint Lee and will slowly destroy Shelby’s self-esteem. Shelby turns her pain inward. She won’t openly go to war with Lee. Unless she finds an escape route, she will remain stuck with this critical, harsh enemy. They are unlikely to ever be friends.

LEE/JOSS

Joss is a quiet but busy child. He is a fearless daredevil. He accepts structure and concrete rules but needs flexibility. Lee 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. Lee will not be amused. She will attempt to direct Joss’s energy into acceptable activities. 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 Lee. She is likely to send him off to military or boarding school.  Joss tries harder to control his world if it spirals out of control. Being exiled won’t make him feel safe or understood. In pushing Joss to be her idea of excellent may make him highly resistant to her attempts to reach out. If Joss proves efficient or a hero, Lee will want to bask in his limelight, but he will reject her efforts. He is unlikely to forgive her.

LEE/KELLY

Kelly is a freedom-loving, active, and cranky baby. If Lee craves a consistent schedule, she is 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 will drive Lee crazy. She will double down on efforts to control him. Kelly collects friends and needs to be on the move. He is a ringleader of mischief. He learns how to manipulate early and can become a bully. He needs firm hand, not Lee’s iron fist. Kelly can become self-destructive if thwarted. The harder she attempts to control and mold Kelly, the worse he acts out. There is likely to be an unforgivable rift between them. Kelly would enjoy punishing his torturer.

LEE/GREER

Greer is happy, easy going, and likes to explore. Greer can't handle chaos. He needs a stable routine and safety which Lee provides. He happily plays alone. He asks odd challenging questions, which Lee won’t particularly appreciate. Greer enjoys fantasy, mystery, inventing, and thinking. Lee is more grounded in earthly endeavors and financial success. If Greer decides to become a writer, Lee will not be supportive. Greer isn’t interested in being fussed over or the center of attention. Lee can be too busy to notice him. She isn’t overly emotional, which suits Greer. Greer easily doubts himself and takes Lee’s criticism hard. Greer will somewhat fly under Lee’s radar. She may not appreciate his hobbies and interests. Greer will resist being pushed into situations he doesn’t like. They could subtly frustrate one another for years. Greer will never live up to Lee’s expectations and he won’t care. He will move on to do what he wants unless he becomes totally dominated by her and ends up thoroughly miserable. Lee enjoys a good whipping post.

LEE/TAYLOR

Taylor needs pace and calm. Lee can be unpredictable which makes her anxious. Taylor is friendly and values harmony. Pleasing others makes her happy. She will try hard to meet Lee’s expectations. Taylor takes charge of the playroom and siblings. Lee will see this as taking after her and approve. Taylor is easily hurt if senses disapproval or if her efforts are rejected. Lee isn’t great with praise, so there is plenty of room for misunderstanding. Taylor overextends herself by trying to play with everyone and must be reined in. Lee is a very social creature. She craves status and anything Taylor can do improve her image is encouraged. If Lee is too absent or busy, Taylor could spiral out of control. If Taylor succumbs to depression and anxiety, Lee will expect her to suck it up and carry on. She won’t tolerate weakness. This could be a serious source of conflict. If Taylor steps out of line even the slightest, Lee will put her into rehab or a boarding school. Taylor will feel even more of an outcast. They may never mend this break.

LEE/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. Lee will appreciate this quiet, reliable child. He isn’t going to require much of her time. Cam spends a lot of time daydreaming and thinking. Cam is self-regulating and responsible. He develops his own belief system and does not conform to what others believe. His questioning of authority and probing questions make Lee mad. She expects him to fall in line and not embarrass her. Her because I said so approach will not fly with Cam's insistence on logic. Cam withdraws to protect. The more Lee attempts to mold him, the further Cam retreats. Lee is hard on anyone’s self-esteem but Cam is more likely to be critical of her which won’t go well. Cam is capable of taking off on his own and leaving Lee aghast at his audacity. If they are forced to stay together, Lee will be continually thwarted by this individualistic child.

LEE/MORGAN

Morgan is a lively baby. He walks, talks, and gets into everything early. He might do them all a little differently. If Lee expects everything to happen on time and in the right way, she will be frustrated. Morgan has a lively questioning mind. He takes risks and outwits dim caregivers, teachers, or other authority figures. He likes creative projects and follows his unique interests wherever they lead. His penchant for invention is evident early on. Lee might admire his expertise if not his methods. Morgan is outgoing. He likes to orchestrate activities, assign roles, and oversee the progress. Lee is proud of her charming child as long as he is toeing her line. Morgan is irritated when he doesn't get his way and Lee has rigid rules and has very strict ideas of what is proper. Morgan doesn’t like group activities which will aggravate Lee. Morgan can be a clown, attempting to charm Lee into forgiving him. It’s possible there are enough points of connection that they could muddle along together without too much trauma. But if Morgan turns against Lee, he will be a formidable adversary.

LEE/LEE

Child Lee is a high-demand baby. She screams until someone pays attention to her. Parent Lee will find her exhausting. Child Lee knows her own mind from the day she can talk and tells you what she wants and does not want. Clashes are inevitable. If Parent Lee has different plans and goals, she will be met with stubborn resistance. Child Lee excels at whatever she chooses to participate in. She is in competition with herself not others. Parent Lee will delight in Child Lee’s leaderships ability. She will support Child Lee against her enemies. Both are quintessential queen bees. They could be the best of friends, taking on the world together. If they turn on each other, it will be a death match. One could attempt to outdo the other the rest of their lives.

LEE/RIVER

River is a quiet baby. She is content to observe the world. A busy, aggressive, or outgoing Lee makes her cry. River needs peace and quiet to thrive. She lives in a dream world most of the time. Lee will have to drag her kicking and screaming to play groups or to the playground. River has one or two friends. Her emotional skin is thin. Lee is too much for River. Lee will easily dominate this child. Lee’s criticism will destroy River’s self-esteem. Attempts to mold River in her image will fail. River’s emotional skin is thin and Lee is like the harshest sand paper. River naturally sees the world as treacherous. She will find it hard to trust people. River won’t openly fight with Lee. She hates violence and discord. In her need for peace and continuity, River might lean into her more mystical tendencies and this will make Lee livid. Lee does not tolerate aberrant behavior or being publicly embarrassed. If River does manage to escape this controlling parent, she may be driven into a cult or organization that provides the acceptance and love River desperately needs. Lee will never forgive her for it.

Next week, we introduce RIVER.

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 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.

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 Cam

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 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.

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