Letters To Dramatica
Questions or comments about the Dramatica
theory or software?
Email Melanie@storymind.com
A Writer Asks...
Which of the objective archetypes would be most likely
associated with the Main and Obstacle Characters?
Melanie Replies...
Actually, which of the Objective Archetypes would be associated with the Main and
Obstacle Characters is more of a cultural stereotype, rather than being another kind of
archetype. Where we position ourselves in the story, and where we look to the opposing
point of view is equally balanced in our personal lives. But in stories, each society
tends toward conventions that allow for short-hand communication and agreed upon
perspectives.
In Western culture, the Protagonist is most often cast as the Main Character, followed
closely by the Antagonist, though all other combinations are used here and there from time
to time. The Obstacle Character is hardly ever the Antagonist. This is because if it were,
both the objective dynamics and subjective dynamics would lay right on top of each other,
and would be very hard to differentiate, both in storytelling and in reception by the
audience.
Instead, Western culture prefers a "triangle" by casting the Protagonist as
Main Character, which hinges both objective and subjective dynamics on one player, then
selecting an Objective Character other than the Antagonist to separate the two sets of
dynamics at the other end.
Most often, the Obstacle Character is found associated with the Guardian or
Contagonist, depending upon whether the alternative point of view is deemed by the author
to be proper or improper. Of course, any Objective Character would do, but this
arrangement is most common.
As for Complex Characters, even an Objective Character having only one element would be
considered "complex" as they do not conform to the archetypal pattern. In
addition, any story with two Antagonists would actually be two stories appearing in the
same work. They might share the same Protagonist or have two completely different
Progatonist, but must be considered separate stories in either case.
"Crimes and Misdemeanors" by Woody Allen shows two unconnected stories, with
different Protagonists, Antagonists, Main and Obstacle Characters. Episodes of
"Murder One" or any of the Steven Bochco series hinge multiple stories in a
variety of ways around the players, including using a single character who acts as
Protagonist in two different stories.
Thanks for the positive feelings about Dramatica that came with your note, and I hope
you find this little exploration useful.
Melanie
