I have a question about the problem and solution for a steadfast influence character. In the story I’m creating, Conrad (the influence character) has a domain of fixed attitude and has a steadfast resolve. When I went through the story-forming stage, Dramatica automatically picked Conrad’s through-line problem to be probability and his through-line solution to be possibility. Anyway, I would like some clarification on how the steadfast Conrad would use the story points above. Since he is steadfast, does he adopt the “solution,” or does he stick with the “problem?” (I’ve been playing with Dramatica for a little while but I’m still quite a newbie.) If you would like the full story-forming report, I should be able to provide it.
Instances of probability will drive his influence up, instances of possibility will mediate or dampen his drive.
You could have him waver and back and forth throughout the story and it will make him appear more real. Practically speaking you’ll want him to end up on Problem and not ending with his Solution as this makes a Steadfast character choice more obvious to the Audience, but this is not a hard and fast rule.
So whenever it looks like things will most likely happen he’ll get all worked up and start showing off that attitude. When he starts taking as chance or giving people the possibility to show him otherwise–that’s when he’ll back off.
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I had this same problem a couple days ago. Jim’s excellent site helped me out in a big way (again). He described the steadfast problem and solution as ‘drive’ and ‘demotivator’, which completely changed my perspective on that problem and helped me through it.
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I love Jim’s site. It has helped me with the theory a lot. By the way, which article on the site was it that talked about the problem and solution?
I think I’ve only mentioned that in recent times, the last two articles on my site. Generating an Abundance of Story Ideas and Finding Your True Self Through Writing. And in passing here as well.
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Apologies. Described was the wrong word. What I meant was that the examples were incredibly helpful to understand the purpose more fully.
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Thank you very much. I appreciate it very much.