The best novels are the ones that have the greatest character development. They start the novel with flaws and weaknesses. Then they face adversities. Have ups and downs.
And ultimately they are better off people in the end. At least somewhat. The best novels have growth of some kind.
But sometimes the growth isn’t so clear cut.
I remember in high school, my English teacher had us complete character maps to better understand the character development throughout the books we read. The process forced us to think more specifically about how the character lived their life.
Recently I was working with a therapy client who was struggling to view her situation and life in a broader sense. She was stuck in her current circumstance. And because she was stuck it was difficult for her to set goals and acknowledge what she wanted to focus on.
I was reminded of this assignment from back in high school. (Some 20 years ago.) So I asked her to complete a character map of herself to view through the lens of a book reviewer.
The process allowed her to take a step back and set goals for her own character development.
Because in reality, you are the central character of your story.
The Beginning
Describe yourself as if you were writing a book review. Acknowledge both the positive qualities as well as the flaws and personality components that you can foresee will cause the character (you) trouble.
I encourage you to be detailed. Truly write the character map as if you were being graded on the depth and insight brought to the assignment.
The Conflict
What is the crux of the issue? How did the conflict happen? Has it been a long standing issue or an abrupt situation that couldn’t be helped. Again, take the time to be detailed. The more effort you put into the exercise, the more you are going to get out of it.
Now address how the character is handling the situation. What is the character doing well? How are the character’s flaws hindering progress.
Who are the supporting characters? Are they helping or hindering the situation.
The Transformation
What are the possible endings to this particular conflict? How can this situation be turned into growth for the character? Is the ending realistic?
As the reader, how would you like to see the character transform? What would make the character stronger?
These now become your goals!
So now you can break down the goals to make them specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely.
These were the aspects that I was able to focus on with my stuck client. She was able to come in with a new understanding and focus of where she wanted to grow.
Preparing for the Sequel
We also have the understanding that we are not just writing one book but a whole series. We will continue to have conflict. And with conflict our prayer is that we will continue to have transformation and growth.
In working on the supporting characters from above, was Jesus on the list? Because in reality, He is our author, our narrator, and our best friend.
Hebrews 12:2 (NASB) fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
I pray that this exercise blesses you and helps you to get unstuck in your current situation.
If you found this exercise beneficial and would like more opportunities for growth, I would like to recommend taking the journey with my new Living in the Word – eWorkbook: A Therapist’s Guide to Becoming a Stronger Christian.
God bless!
Melissa
p.s. Check out all of the beautiful sites I linkup with.
I love this! I’m going to go through this and see if I can get unstuck from my present situation.
I’m glad you enjoyed it Susan! I hope you find it beneficial. Let me know! God bless your journey!
Thank you for this! I can’t wait to try it 🙂 I love this different perspective of ourselves because it’s easy to keep viewing yourself from the same lens
I’m glad you liked it. I hope you find it beneficial. We certainly can find ourselves in a rut and struggle to view circumstance from any other perspective. Thank you for stopping by and sharing, God bless!
What great advice given here. I think that “identity” has been the subject of the day. Thanks for sharing!
There are so many people who struggle to know an understand their identity that it is certainly worth discussing in many ways! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!
This is so neat! I was thinking about having a vision board party, but was wondering how I would be able to talk to those who couldn’t see past where they’re at—so I will use this. Thank you!
That would be so great! Please let me know how it goes! God bless!
I cannot wait to sit down and spend some time on doing this! It made me start to really think! Thanks! Can’t wait to focus on growth!
I’m so glad you found this beneficial and are excited for growth! Please let me know how it goes! God bless!
Seriously a genuine unique way to deal with personal situations! I love how easy and practical this is! I gain an emended amount of perspective when I write things out! Thank you for sharing, Melissa! <3
It’s a great way to bring more perspective and insight into your current situation by pulling yourself out of it a bit. I hope you find it beneficial! Let me know your thoughts afterward. God bless!
Hi Melissa,
I am a Professional Counselor too, great exercise!
Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer! God bless!
I really love this idea! This seems like a great way to get perspective on an issue and get yourself unstuck. Would love to see a printable or downloadable resource to help walk through this!
Thank you Leigh! My plan is to create a printable for my email subscribers on this Saturday’s newsletter! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!
As an English professor and a fiction writer, I love this post. I know that for myself that I couldn’t get my novel to the place it needed to be until I grew into it.
I know I’m always a work in progress! Thank you for stopping by Alice! God bless!
Now I only read through but I am definitely going to take time and do this exercise. I am sure it also helps in self -reflection and examination. Thank you for sharing.
I hope that you find the exercise beneficial! Thank you for stopping by and reading! God bless!
This is wonderful !!! Original, but CLASSIC in value! Hugs, amazing sister. I am gonna try this……
Thanks Tammy! I hope you find it beneficial! God bless!
Who knew that a high school English assignment could be so beneficial in our own lives! Thanks for sharing this with us at the #LMMLinkup! It sounds like a good way to get through a difficult situation when we are stuck. Blessings to you!
Thank you Gayl! I pray that many people will use this process to help them view their lives differently and seek out Jesus! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!