Pippa Roscoe on the web:
The
Three Layers of Emotional Conflict
When I first came across the phrase
Emotional Conflict I was working in tv and when I asked about it, each time I’d
get a different answer, making it even more difficult to get a solid hold on
what it meant. There is lots of information out there helping to explain,
explore what this is, but to me it’s the phrase that, in romance, covers why a
character feels they are unable to fall in love with the other.
This struggle is vital in romance; it
creates that will they/won’t they tension that draws readers into the story. It
also pin points key moments in the characters backstory that have defined them,
shaped them into the character they are on the first page. Every author has a
different way of exploring their characters, and by no means is this the only
option. But I wanted to share with you a way I like to think of my characters’
emotional conflicts. I can’t say I manage it every time, but I do try!
I like to see conflict a little like
an onion, peeling back the layers to the heart of the deepest hurt of the
character –perhaps causing us to cry a little more each time a layer is
revealed! Initially the character isn’t aware of what is truly driving them. A
healthy dose of denial helps us here to make our characters more complex! But peeling
back that layer reveals a deeper hurt, and once that layer has been removed we
get to the juicy heart of it all.
For me there are three layers of
emotional conflict, whether because this naturally works towards the beginning,
middle, and end structure, I’m not quite sure, or if it has something to do
with ‘three dimensional’ characters? Who knows. But here goes.
The
Surface Layer: This is why the character, (the
hero for eg) believes initially that they cannot begin a relationship with the
heroine. For me this tends to be based on an assumption: that the heroine is a
gold digger, or has betrayed them, or has some quality that they are unable to
forgive. When this has been proved incorrect as our hero gets to know more
about the heroine, we can move on to eh reinforced layer.
The
Reinforced Layer: This is a moment in
the hero’s recent experience when
their original conflict was reinforced. This comes from the hero’s direct
personal experience, often one that involves feelings of love. A moment when
they were rejected, abandoned, betrayed… but most importantly hurt. It contains
an echo of the deep original conflict, but one that proves their fears about
love were correct. Once this has been explored and in some way exorcized by the
revealing of it – the burden is lighter, the hero can begin to move on from it.
Now perhaps he’s embarking on a relationship with the heroine, he’s beginning
to explore his emotions. Until events threaten those emotions and he starts to feel
the impact of the true original conflict.
The
Original Conflict: This is the moment
when the hero first learned that love was a painful thing. It’s deep rooted and
long ago, quite often in childhood (like so many of our personal hurts!).
Whether it was something they indirectly experienced from their parents, or
something that their parents caused in them, a feeling that love can’t be
trusted (infidelity), that love isn’t constant (abandonment) that love is
manipulative (betrayal), it is the moment in his life that a shocking and
painful lesson about love was learned.
Exploring how the hero and heroine are
able, through their relationship, to overcome these three conflicts helps draw
the line of character development through the story, clearing a way through the
past hurts and allowing them to finally see love as a positive thing, something
that they can finally feel freely and happily to fall truly in love with the
other.
To me – above all else – the personal
journey of the characters through these obstacles is the greatest message of
romance. That we can overcome our pasts to look forward to a loving and
fulfilling future as the best selves we can be.
I’ve really enjoyed sharing the way I
like to address emotional conflict within my characters and hope that it’s
helped. Are there any writing phrases that you’ve found difficult to navigate,
or had that light bulb moment when you realised what a specific phrase meant?
A Ring to Take His Revenge (The Winners' Circle)
He’ll do
anything to settle the score…
…even fake an
engagement!
To secure his
revenge against his cruel father, billionaire Antonio Arcuri needs a fake
fiancée—fast! He demands his shy PA, Emma Guilham, wear his diamond. In return,
he’ll help fulfill her dreams—starting with a jet-set trip to Buenos Aires!
It’s a simple charade, until the burning tension between them erupts into
irresistible desire. Now Antonio must decide between vengeance and Emma…
A powerfully
intense revenge romance!.
Buy on:
Hi Pippa!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. I'm bookmarking for future reference. Congratulations on the new book!
Hi Janet, Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy my book and I hope this post has helped! Happy writing!
ReplyDeleteHello again, Pippa! Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteHi there! Thanks so much. Best wishes.
DeleteInteresting thoughts on emotional conflict from Pippa and the book sounds good!
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine. As I said, it's certainly something I try, though can't admit to succeeding EVERY time! Best wishes.
DeleteYour writing process sounds very similar to mine. Peeling away the layers of an onion is exactly how I describe the development of my characters and their stories.
ReplyDeleteOkay, you sold me. I just bought this book. (No will power at all, I tell ya!)
Hi Susan, it's great to find a fellow 'peeler'! I'm so pleased you bought my book. I hope so much that you like it. Best wishes.
DeleteA truly excellent explanation. I suspect that many books which don't succeed are missing one of those layers.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Best wishes.
DeleteHi, Pippa! Again, best of luck.
ReplyDeleteHello again!
DeleteVery interesting to look at all the layers involved with conflict. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI hope you found them helpful Sherry. Best wishes.
DeleteSuch a helpful and interesting explanation. Thanks for sharing. Wishing Pippa all the best. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Thank you to Revisions Editions for allowing me to share them! I'm so pleased you found them helpful! Best wishes.
DeleteI think every aspect of story is better with layers, and especially romance. Gives it such depth. I enjoyed your exploration of these three aspects.
ReplyDelete