The Opposition Character

I just finished reading Evan Marshall's chapter on the Opposition character. I have seven pages of notes. Seven. I have lost my mind. My workbook has all these scribbles inside of it, and that was before I decided to get out my journal because I ran out of room.

An opposition character must be equal to your lead. Now in my current work, this is going to be tricky. It means I have to delve deep within the evil doctor's mind. I need his motovation, he modus operandi...(I hope I spelled that right. Don't shoot me)

I haven't posted much lately as I have been in serious work mode. The scary part is that I found out I can do it. Granted I don't get much sleep in this mode, and I'm extremely grumpy without coffee or mountain dew but I did make it. Something I was terribly unsure that I would be able to do. I learned a little bit about myself in the process. However, much better than that, I learned a lot about my characters.

I'm going to have to change my background on my lead again after thinking about it tonight. I made her too happy. She is happy, but there is a darkness within her as well. A darkness that she hides, pushes to the back of her brain and only examines it when she is alone. My Gabby is a survivor, a strong person, and she will always push forward.

I am also going to be pushing some boundaries with this story in my choice of friends for my character. Each one of her friends has strong character. Very distinctive voices and perceptions on the world.

But I think every woman in the world should have one gay male as a friend. They are the best friends, they understand you, can laugh and be silly with you, and they are full of personality. I have been lucky with my friend Jeff. He is wonderful, and an absoulte riot. He makes me laugh when I want to cry, and I've known him since high school. As a matter of fact, I asked him for permission before I posted this on my blog. I wanted to be politically correct when I stated his sexual preference. His quote? "For God's sake, I'm gay, Michelle. Don't beat around the bush, just tell it like it is, honey." Granted Jeff is out of the "closet." So my dear Gabby is going to have a bitchy friend named "Elliott" that is crazy as a loon, and just as loveable.

All right, I've blabbered enough for one night. I'm going to go upstairs and read some more and make more notes on my opposition's character sheet. Now that I've started on this massive project, I cannot seem to stop.
Hugs,
and Happy Holidays to everyone.
Michelle