You poor soul
It must be hard sometimes, being a protagonist. Do you ever wake up in the morning and think, "I can't go through this anymore!"? I can't imagine the stress. Day in and day out you are thrown on a roller coaster and set on the same path of imminent destruction in Act I and II, but then at the last minute an amazing resolution displays itself. I guess a job is a job, but don't you think you could find something with more stability? (I bet your insurance isn't that great either!)
At least the antagonist knows what's coming. Everyday when he gets up and goes to work he knows he is going to blindside you and bring you to the end of yourself. He knows the drill. There is no element of surprise for him. However, by Act III he is always defeated and you find a way to overcome the fear he placed in you. So, I guess it evens out. You are pushed to the end of your rope, but he always looses in the end.
And TiVo has not helped your anxiety at all. Now you never know how many times you may have to ride the same roller coaster. Some dumb, California blonde named Kimberly may want to watch the same episode of "America's Next Top Model"(c) over and over and over and if you are the protagonist the producers picked for that episode you will have to go through the diva drama as many times as Kimberly wants.
You poor protagonist.
Yet, you are a celebrity. People all over the world cheer for you as you overcome obstacles when the odds are against you. For centuries families have been going to the movie theaters or gathering around the television to watch your epic struggle and rejoice as you defy the evil in your world.
So, thank you protagonist! Thank you for inspiring us to believe that the "Good Guy" does always win! Thank you for being willing to go through all that pain and stress just so our viewing expectations can be fulfilled!
We salute you!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
What is good?
It is impossible to start answering this question without talking about absolutes. Something being good means it is exclusive and can never contain "bad". It is inherent in the nature of the definition.
The definition of what is good must come from a source apart from human creation. Humans are, in nature, biased and unable to create a pure law untainted by their flaws. Therefore it is necessary to address the exists of an all knowing all good higher power.
If this higher power does not exist humans must derive from their culture the scale for judging what is right and wrong. And by doing this they deviate from the true definition of good -something without fault that transcends culture and time.
Of course there are exceptions. There is a difference in moral law and culturally acceptable behavior. For example, in some areas of Europe it is acceptable for young children to watch risque television, but in the U.S. parents are usually much more sensitive to sexual content. This is just a difference in cultural flavor. It does not deal with a moral absolute. A moral absolute in the context of this discussion would be, "Is it ever right to steal?"
It is impossible to start answering this question without talking about absolutes. Something being good means it is exclusive and can never contain "bad". It is inherent in the nature of the definition.
The definition of what is good must come from a source apart from human creation. Humans are, in nature, biased and unable to create a pure law untainted by their flaws. Therefore it is necessary to address the exists of an all knowing all good higher power.
If this higher power does not exist humans must derive from their culture the scale for judging what is right and wrong. And by doing this they deviate from the true definition of good -something without fault that transcends culture and time.
Of course there are exceptions. There is a difference in moral law and culturally acceptable behavior. For example, in some areas of Europe it is acceptable for young children to watch risque television, but in the U.S. parents are usually much more sensitive to sexual content. This is just a difference in cultural flavor. It does not deal with a moral absolute. A moral absolute in the context of this discussion would be, "Is it ever right to steal?"
Friday, January 25, 2008
January 25, 2008
"The purpose of our existence is to pass on life to the next generation."
This is not a real purpose. No, not at all.
That is not a purpose, that is biology.
That is not spiritual, it is physical.
My deepest desires and fulfillment as a human is different from an animal's. Humans are unique in that we use language to communicate. That element is found nowhere else in nature and we are on a whole different level because of it. Humans also question. Animals live to the next day because their stomachs growl or their seasonal mating instincts kick in. They don't question their survival instincts. But, humans can have tons of sex, birth children, successfully raise their young, and yet still feel a deep sense of emptiness. There is a missing element from the physical act. We are meant to be fulfilled by a deep communion that goes beyond the physical sex drives. The physical is a representation of the spiritual. Each of us has a spiritual desire equally as strong as our sex drives. It may not be fed properly, and so we seek more of the physical to pacify our yearning. But until an individual realizes there is a multi-fold hunger within them they will never be able to satisfy who they are.
The purpose that drives each human is not based on procreation or fear.
This would make life on earth a painful community of selfish individuals constantly looking for a sexual partner.
This may be the state of our world but that does not mean it is our purpose. There is something greater the human soul/spirit was made for.
This is not a real purpose. No, not at all.
That is not a purpose, that is biology.
That is not spiritual, it is physical.
My deepest desires and fulfillment as a human is different from an animal's. Humans are unique in that we use language to communicate. That element is found nowhere else in nature and we are on a whole different level because of it. Humans also question. Animals live to the next day because their stomachs growl or their seasonal mating instincts kick in. They don't question their survival instincts. But, humans can have tons of sex, birth children, successfully raise their young, and yet still feel a deep sense of emptiness. There is a missing element from the physical act. We are meant to be fulfilled by a deep communion that goes beyond the physical sex drives. The physical is a representation of the spiritual. Each of us has a spiritual desire equally as strong as our sex drives. It may not be fed properly, and so we seek more of the physical to pacify our yearning. But until an individual realizes there is a multi-fold hunger within them they will never be able to satisfy who they are.
The purpose that drives each human is not based on procreation or fear.
This would make life on earth a painful community of selfish individuals constantly looking for a sexual partner.
This may be the state of our world but that does not mean it is our purpose. There is something greater the human soul/spirit was made for.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
"What a character!"
-words we hear when someone is describing an odd, yet intriguing person.
But, what is a character when it comes to writing fiction? Little did I know there is a soul within every individual... even the ones in print. And, this soul is the true character. NOT! what they look like or the social class they fit in. No, these are just characteristics of the person.
The very core identity of every person in a story is the true character - or as Jenkins said, "Who they are under pressure."
This leaves me completely exhausted as I think about writing fiction. How in the world can I manage the life of other souls when I can hardly wrestle with my own every day?
Journalism fits me much better. Just spit out what other people did that day in an organized and intriguing way and you have a golden story.
There is much to learn.
-words we hear when someone is describing an odd, yet intriguing person.
But, what is a character when it comes to writing fiction? Little did I know there is a soul within every individual... even the ones in print. And, this soul is the true character. NOT! what they look like or the social class they fit in. No, these are just characteristics of the person.
The very core identity of every person in a story is the true character - or as Jenkins said, "Who they are under pressure."
This leaves me completely exhausted as I think about writing fiction. How in the world can I manage the life of other souls when I can hardly wrestle with my own every day?
Journalism fits me much better. Just spit out what other people did that day in an organized and intriguing way and you have a golden story.
There is much to learn.
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