Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Mixed Legacy

When a famous man died this month, the media referred to his “mixed legacy.”

Got me thinking. Which one of us, when truth is told, will not have a mixed legacy? Except for saints, who among us is all-virtuous? Or all-villainous?


Characters in fiction of yesteryear may carry these distinctions. I couldn’t write or even conjure such characters. I just never met one personally, and I need this personal connection as a hook to hang my characters’ jackets on. 

 Literary clichés aside, I’m already on record for abhorring black and white stances. It is challenging and frustrating at times, with advice to “up the stakes” and make one’s writing less aware of the gray tones mixture that is us.

My challenge, as I revise and work my way to the best stories I can, is to keep them interesting, illuminating, and allow all my characters their right to a mixed legacy.

14 comments:

Yanting Gueh said...

Mirka, I like the way you phrased it: to keep our characters illuminating. That is what I hope to do for mine, too.

Vijaya said...

Amen! The saints too struggled mightily with their faults ...

Cherie Colyer said...

Vijaya, that is so true!

Mirka, I'm working on revisions for my latest WIP and I'm also trying to make sure my characters have just the right blend of both good and evil.

Leandra Wallace said...

I do have trouble sometimes 'upping the stakes'. And like Claudine, I like your 'keeping characters illuminating' advice! You could use that for a log line under your name. Mirka Muse: Illuminating Characters since... =)

Mirka Breen said...

Can I hire you as my PR person, Leandra? ;)

Karen Jones Gowen said...

"mixed legacy" lol-- not sure if that's what I'd like on my obituary!

Marcia Strykowski said...

Yes, a very worthy challenge to have!

Becky Shillington said...

Characters that are all "good" or all "bad" definitely aren't as interesting (or illuminating) as those "gray" heroes or heroines who have faults just like ours. I love Leandra's idea for your log line! = )

Johnell said...

Mixed legacy pretty much sums up...well, everyone. :). Now I'd like mine mixed with chocolate chips and caramel, maybe some almonds too. That Snidely Whiplash photo brings back many fond memories. Thanks.

Kelly Hashway said...

That's a great challenge, Mirka! I'm sure your characters and stories will be better for it. :)

Marcia said...

I think it's especially fascinating to give villains a mixed legacy. If we can feel for and understand the villain, that's powerful.

theartofpuro said...

Great post:)

Anonymous said...

"Illuminating Characters since…" I like that ! A character with a mixed legacy is more relatable and thus will resonate with the reader more deeply. Great post, Mirka!

Tina Cho said...

That's a fancy term to use for our characters' flaws! "a mixed legacy" You always make me think deeply, Mirka.