You know, the sweet innocent character everyone dotes on? Yeah, that character.
Rules for Writing the Innocent by Ava Murbarger
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Five Steps to being the Innocent
You’re often a child. If not, you’re some kind of dreamer, most likely a traditionalist, too.
You’re ever-optimistic. Because of this, you can be overly naive and earnest. In other words, you’re too simple.
On the good side of things, you’re loyal, most likely honest, and you inspire other characters. On the bad side? You take foolhardy risks, are disappointed too easily, and you hate change. Often, you deny change because you’re scared.
You’re scared of rejection. If you’re rejected, much of your “innocence” will crumble.
In a story, you encourage the hero, accidentally create more conflict, and sometimes come alongside the comic relief. You’ve got your good sides and your bad sides. BONUS- You say something incredibly terrifying or depressing for the protagonist was “fun” and that you want to do it again. You’ve probably annoyed and delighted your reader at the same time by doing this.
Don’t be the innocent! It may seem like all fun and games, but you’ll get yourself to rock bottom real quick… but still don’t lose your optimism! Yes, we want you to do both.
Ava Murbarger is an aspiring Christian author who enjoys writing in a range of genres- from fantasy, to sci-fi, to contemporary- and loves stories with themes that ring true, even if they aren’t played out in a real setting. She lives in southeastern Illinois, in a town doing its best to become a city. When she’s not thinking up new stories to tell or mapping out strange worlds, she enjoys reading, worshipping on her guitar, and going to camp each summer. You can contact her at murbargerava@gmail.com.
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Love this! Don’t you? The innocent character… not so innocent. *shakes head*
What are your thoughts on this? Comment below!