Thread by @Maria_Tureaud, Character Agency--a #RevPit thread. Settle in, fam. It's time we had a [...]

Maria Tureaud is Ready for RevPit

Maria_Tureaud

Character Agency--a #RevPit thread. Settle in, fam. It's time we had a chat #10queries #writingcommunity #writingtip

You see the term thrown around...you may have even received critique/feedback stating your character needs more agency. (1

But, what is it? What does it mean?

Misconception: AGENCY MEANS YOUR MC MUST BE A KICK-ASS FEMME-DOMME WHO KARATE CHOPS A BITCH/EVIL MAN-DUDE EVERY 2ND PAGE!!!!!!

Reality: Agency is the freedom of active choice.

Let's dig in! #revpit #10queries (2.

From the kick-ass femme-domme MC to the passive Mary-Sue, agency is the internal/external process--presented to the reader--as the MC evaluates their situation, and makes a conscious, active choice to alter their situation #revpit #10queries (3.

So, your MC is an introvert/shy/damaged by a lifetime of submission (I see you hist fic writers!). S/he/they aren't going to just decide to pick up a flaming sword and become the kick-ass protagonist...right? Right! Not all agency is the same. #revpit #10queries (4.

In the case above, agency comes from the internalization/deep POV of the MC as they evaluate their situation, and make the CONSCIOUS, ACTIVE, DECISION to change the outcome. Ppl aren't dragged around through life. You DECIDE your choices--whether good or bad (5.

Agency isn't action-packed craziness. It's a MC taking charge of their life...from choosing to drink tea, to leaving a spouse in the dead of night because they're terrified to confront/stand up to them. It's choosing a green dress over blue to piss off mom. #revpit #10queries (6.

And at some point, it's the decision a MC makes that shapes the story. With no agency, there's no real story--no stakes. Stakes can be quiet/emotional/simple...or end-of-the-world decisions and finding the courage to do The Right Thing. #revpit #10queries (7.

So, when someone says your character needs more agency, give MC the opportunity to make decisions. From the mundane small things to major conflict. Because humans make thousands of conscious choices every day...especially in relationships, stupid, good & bad #revpit #10queries (8

Whether you 'think' your story is plot or character driven, every story must include a character arc we can get behind...and an agency-less character isn't likely to grow/embark on a journey--no matter how minor/small/seemingly insignificant. Give them choices to make #revpit

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