Making an Entrance

MOOD STATUS: "Sleepy". Had a bad night's sleep last night.

I try to read at least one "how to" writing book a year. If I'm lucky, I'll read two.

Right now, I'm in the process of reading Christopher Vogler's The Writer's Journey, and it has me thinking a lot of about my main character's introduction. More specifically, on how my main character--or hero--makes an entrance into my story.

According to Vogler, how the audience first experiences your hero is an important condition you control as a storyteller. What is he doing the first time we see him, when he makes his entrance? What is he wearing, who is around him, and how do they react to him? What is his attitude, emotion, and goal at the moment?

He goes on to add, "Most important is: what is the character doing at the moment of entrance? The character's first action is a wonderful opportunity to speak volumes about his attitude, emotional state, background, strengths, and problems. The first action should be a model of the hero's characteristic attitude and the future problems or solutions that will result."

One entrance that comes to mind is from Catch a Rising Star by Tracey Bateman. I really loved how the author showed--with humor--her main character in a bunny suit reading stories to children. Her main character was once a prominent actress who gets stuck with a job she hates. Not only that, but she upsets one of the children, adding to the character's belief that she is not good with children. The stage is set now in that first meeting. We have a pretty good grasp of our hero and what makes her tick. Thus, later on when her love interest his introduced--a widower with two children--we understand the conflict and some of the growth the hero must make to accept that relationship.

In one of my favorite Susan Elizabeth Phillip's books, Honey Moon, the hero is young and praying to Walt Disney, God, and even Jesus to help her. She wants the amusement park by her house up and running again. This sets the stage of the story. Resurrecting the amusement park becomes her main goal in the story. As we get to the know the character more, we sympathize and understand why.

In my story Georgie on his Mind, my hero is mad and about to confront her brother for ruining yet another attempt at dating. I hoped to set the stage for my character's plight--or what she believes is her plight: her brother ruining her love life. This is what ultimately drives her and the story. The stage is set. Her brother is overprotective, she has had enough, and she needs to get away from it.

Have you given a lot of thought about how your main character makes his/her entrance in your book? Does your hero's actions hint to what his or her problem will be?

I thought it be fun to hear about your works in progress. :)

What is your hero doing at his/her moment of "entrance"?