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| Jane Austen 1873 |
I
recommend the novels of Jane Austen for examples of memorable characters and
romance stories with long lasting impact. Jane Austen wrote her stories more
than 200 years ago, yet they are still read and loved today. Why are her books
so readable? One reason is that Jane described ordinary people in ordinary
settings. You will not find details of historical dress or mannerisms. In many
ways, she was a very modern writer, her works lack the florid, emotional, and
lengthy descriptions employed by the Victorian authors.
Her
stories were romances, filled with her unique light hearted and caustic wit. Her
characters resonate today. Mr. Darcy in “Pride and Prejudice” fits the romantic
ideal, even among modern young women. He is tall, handsome and wealthy. Many of
Jane’s male romantic characters, however, were not wealthy landowners, tall or
handsome. Several were clergymen of modest means. In “Sense and Sensibility,”
Edward Ferrars rejected his wealthy inheritance when he refused to marry the
woman his mother chose. He followed his principles, even though he could not
wed Elinor, the woman he loved, because he was engaged to an inferior woman due
to a youthful infatuation. A love triangle! The male leads in Jane’s stories
demonstrate heroism by doing what is right, despite the personal disadvantages.
How
did Jane Austen create her memorable characters? Her stories rely on dialogue
with little action. She gives minimal physical description. Instead, she
describes distinct personalities that we recognize from our everyday lives. Her
descriptions are pithy; she can define a character in a single, eloquent
sentence.
Here
is her first description of Mr. Darcy at a ball: “Mr. Darcy soon drew the
attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien,
and the report which was in general circulation within five minutes after his
entrance of his having ten thousand a year.” A billionaire romance! But, Jane has
set him up for a rapid fall: “…he was looked at with great admiration for about
half the evening, till his manners gave a disgust which turned the tide of his
popularity…” Even his ten thousand does not save him.
In
contrast, look at Edward Ferrars in “Sense and Sensibility”: “He was not
handsome, and his manner required intimacy to make them pleasing.” In fact, he
is shy and awkward, and possibly the least likeable love interest in Jane
Austen’s stories.
If
we follow the example of Jane Austen, we should emphasize the personality of
our characters and minimize the physical details. Cattell’s 16 factors may
inspire ideas -(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16PF_Questionnaire#Raymond_Cattell.27s_16_Personality_Factors).
Of course, in science fiction, we often need detailed descriptions for aliens
or other worlds. The great advantage of emulating Jane Austen is that much of the
narrative falls into place once the personality of the character crystallizes
in your mind. You can imagine how they will react to other characters and the conflicts
in the story. I love that moment of insight when I can begin to compose the
scenes of the book.
First posted at SFR Brigade -
Aurora Springer’s latest release is GRAND
MASTER’S GAME.
Blurb
Spin
across the galaxy as Violet and her Grand Master hunt their enemies.
Cracks
in the portal web threaten galactic civilization, and suspicions fall on the
mysterious Grand Masters with their immense psychic powers. Once, there were
twelve Grand Masters, humans and aliens, on the Council. Now there are eleven.
One was killed when the young pawn, Violet, rescued her Grand Master, Athanor,
from the Red Queen’s dungeon. The Red Queen fled the fight and now she lurks
out of sight, regenerating her energies.
Athanor
devises a risky plan to expose his enemies on the Council and force the Red
Queen into the open. His strategy will employ Violet’s empathic skills as his
secret weapon. Meanwhile, she wrestles with her erratic talents and doubts
about their unequal partnership. In their search for revenge, they contend with
the portal crisis, psychic traps and hostile aliens. In the inevitable battle
of Grand Masters, Violet and Athanor each will face their worst nightmares.
What is the sacrifice for victory?
Book 2 in the Grand Master's Trilogy
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0104OFJJ8
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