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The definition from the dictionary:
And this (under Change/Steadfast definitions):
So, doesn't this mean that Resolve always come from the MC's conscious choice whether to take said leap, or stick to his/her guns? If not, any examples? |
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There are two different questions here. The first question is in the subject line: Can Resolve be forced on a character? The second question is at the end of the question: Doesn't this mean that Resolve always comes from the MC's conscious choice whether to make a leap of faith, or stick to his/her guns? CAN RESOLVE BE FORCED ON A CHARACTER? Yes. . . sort of. It depends on what you mean by forced. When characters have built up enough justifications to hide particular personal problems from themselves, it creates a blind spot. A blind spot is an area the characters no longer recognize as a source of conflict. Blind spots are like black holes that gobble up any probe sent to look for problems in the character's psyche -- no report back so it cannot be the source of the trouble, right? At least that's what it looks like from the inside to the Main Character. Technically speaking, most all characters with blind spots will not address them without external pressure, especially if there isn't any particular pressure to deal with this baggage. That is the reason Impact Characters exist in a story. IC's force the MC's to address their issues, even if there isn't any intent to do so by the Impact Characters. The IC's nature forces the issue on the MC's. That said, the other way to interpret the question is more direct. What happens when an MC is forced to confront the blind spot? The result isn't pretty. When a character is forced to address a personal issue against their will, the only alternative to the process of growth and resolve is to psychically snap. For example, look at Norma Desmond in "Sunset Blvd". Joe Gillis forces Norma to see the reality that she is an old has-been who is only wanted for her antique automobile and will never make a comeback. All the internal energy protecting Norma's ego from reality is released at the source of the perceived personal attack (the IC, Joe). She kills the IC then retreats back into her fantasy world, no longer connected to reality. Did she change? No, but I think that's because she is a Steadfast character. Joe, now the dead man, seems to change after his demise and realizes that some things just can't be changed. NOTE: The movie opens with Joe's body floating face down in a pool with Joe's voice over, so no spoiler here. |
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Villains are often forced to change by being killed or having their powers nullified. |
