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Nobility and Self Sacrifice

My favourite books are novels where people rise above the ordinary and do something wonderful- the kind where a character will put himself in peril to save a total stranger.

The characters aren't perfect. They're real people who sometimes mess up. But in the end they always come through, overcoming their weaknesses to do what their hearts tell them is right.

I've always identified with those characters. I always thought I'd be selfless and noble too if I were in their situation. But I'm beginning to realise that thinking you'd do something and doing it are two entirely different things.

In creative writing class, our professor was always saying, "Write what you know- use your own feelings, your own experiences, to make your characters real."

I've been trying, but to tell the truth, lately I don't like the story.

Comments

Ace said…
thinking you'd do something and doing it are two entirely different things..
Now that seems to be an honest account after some introspection. Movies and novels are abundant with characters who risk their lives to save their city, town, kingdom and in America's case, the whole world. That is what makes those stories sell.
There is certainly no shame in thinking about it for a moment and saying 'I certainly couldn't have done what this character did. I definitely cannot make such a huge sacrifice.' Most of us wouldn't. And it is okay. There is nothing cowardly about it. In fact, expressing your fears and limits needs some amount of courage as well.
It does take some courage to be honest.
Gentle Whispers said…
Ace,

A lot of courage, but honesty does work and talking things out as I'm learning. Not just waiting for things to sort themselves out.

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