Creating Timeless Characters in Stories: The Power of Negative Capability
Stories that resonate through the generations are the ones that continue to be relevant, regardless of the time period. Understanding the human condition and the core desires that persist through the ages is at the heart of crafting characters and settings that will stand the test of time.
Key to Timeless Stories: Static Settings and Consistent Characters
The key to crafting a timeless character lies in neglecting the transient trends and focusing on fundamental human desires and traits. History and made-up lands offer a stable setting where the core of the story remains unchanged, allowing the focus to remain on the characters and their inner journeys. These settings are akin to a stable backdrop that provides a consistent environment for the characters to evolve, much like a "static setting" rather than a dynamically changing one. This stability ensures that the story and its characters can be appreciated by generations, because they reflect human nature more than current fads and fleeting pop culture.
For example, books from the 1980s and 90s often rely on pop culture references that may not resonate with younger readers. Harry Potter, for instance, has stood the test of time because it focuses on themes that are universal, such as friendship, loss, and redemption, rather than fleeting trends. The same can be said for classic tales like those of Robin Hood and King Arthur. These stories endure because they tap into timeless themes and archetypes that are recognized and resonate with the human heart.
The Concept of Negative Capability
The term "negative capability" was coined by the poet John Keats, a Romantic poet renowned for his focus on elusiveness and mystery. Keats believed that a great character should not be fully exposed or explained; rather, there should be an element of mystery that the reader interprets and ponders, much like a "hidden iceberg" versus a visible one. This concept calls for characters to have a depth of mystery that is not immediately apparent, yet it enhances their appeal and memorability.
Applying Negative Capability to Characters
Characters with well-defined traits and consistent behaviors (the visible iceberg) should also possess an undercurrent of mystery (the hidden part). For instance, consider Spock from Star Trek. Spock is often portrayed as an emotionless logical mind, but his hidden emotions and vulnerabilities add rich layers to his personality, making him a more relatable and enduring figure. Similarly, the ambiguous romantic complexities between Spock and McCoy add depth and intrigue to the characters and the overall narrative. Just like Hemingway's iceberg theory, writers should aim to reveal only enough of the ice above the surface while leaving the submerged part to intrigue and engage the reader.
Timeless Characters in Fiction
Timeless characters do not merely focus on one clear emotion or trait; they exhibit a range of complexities and contradictions. Take Harry Potter as an example. Harry is a complex character who desires different things at different times and situations: normalcy, fame, redemption, and loyalty. This multi-faceted approach not only makes Harry a more relatable figure, but it also increases the story's longevity. Poetic and literary figures like Shakespeare’s Hamlet or even the mystical archetypes of Robin Hood and King Arthur have endured because they represent deeper, more universal human traits and experiences.
When crafting characters, it's crucial to balance known aspects of their personalities with hidden depths. Characters should have clear and consistent traits but also retain elements of mystery that enrich their portrayal and make them more enduring. The power of negative capability lies in its ability to engage the reader in a continuous act of discovery and interpretation, turning characters and stories into timeless masterpieces.