Character Motivations; are they beleivable?

[WafflesToo]

I was pondering the other day about one of my characters in 'Into Harms Way' and I need a second opinion.

Is it a reasonable reaction for a learned, educated person who is something of a recluse to react to an end-of-the-world scenario (and being placed in a position to do something about it) by developing an 'Atlas complexe'? Where they not only feel the weight of the world on thier shoulders, but actively refuse help in carrying the burden?

Opinions and discussion would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

[QSR Joshua]

Recluse means they are used to fending for themselves and not needing/wanting help. Perhaps even being anti-social to an extent.

I think the part I would have a problem with is them caring enough to feel the weight of the responsibility. Perhaps if they decided to go reclusive because a previous bout with responsiblity ended badly. That would help explain everything, especially if betrayed trust was part of the problem and they no longer want to risk being hurt.

 

[HareBrain]

Recluse means they are used to fending for themselves and not needing/wanting help. Perhaps even being anti-social to an extent.

I agree - and someone like that might feel that he alone should shoulder the responsibility because he doesn't trust anyone else's competence.

I think the part I would have a problem with is them caring enough to feel the weight of the responsibility.

I think it is possible to care about the fate of humanity in the abstract whilst still finding it difficult to deal with them on a face-to-face basis. Plus, if it truly is an end-of-the-world scenario, simple self-preservation would decree that he did something about it. (But personally, I think the "abstract" thing might make him quite interesting.)

 

[flynx]

Well, what you've described is the basis for all books: conflict.

Something happens to someone and they have to deal with it.

Dealing with it might only mean dealing with themselves because they won't deal with the circumstances.

It might possibly be that they deal with it subconsciously and whilst seemingly avoiding the conflict they are attacking it from a different angle.

I've just finished reading Pratchett's The Truth (again) and he explains something about vampires (Otto works as an iconographer for The Times) A vampire is relentless and single minded about blood. If it's not allowed to be consumed with that passion then it will become relentless and single minded about something else (I think that's called transference) Otto becomes consumed by light and iconography, which, for a vampire, is an extreme of conflict.

So if your recluse is alone because of a passion then that would work for him as well (as well as being a fairly good reason for being a recluse in the first place)

 

[Dozmonic]

Just because he's a recluse does not mean he does not have things in the world he cares about. Anybody will feel a sense of weight upon them if something is threatening whatever they hold dear. If this end of the world scenario is really going to affect something the recluse is doing, then they will feel a need to react. They could keep animals, or a garden, or have some great writing, research project, construction, whatever. All of these things they could feel are threatened by the scenario presented.

 

[Natasha_Rogue]

Just a thought...is it not possible he is a recluse because he cares so deeply about everything that facing things in the world became overwhelming? Isolation may have been a way to avoid madness but when it becomes something that he can no longer avoid his vice becomes a virtue and his extreem passion drives his refusal to share the burden?

 

[WafflesToo]

Great discussion, thanks everyone. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't too far off the deep end (and you know how you can get when you're too close to something).

For the record, the character in question is somewhat reclusive simply because he feels more comfortable with books and ideas than with his fellow man (though he does enjoy the company of like-minded individuals from time-to-time).

Thanks again