
Hehehe, yeah the ole 'swapped identity' schtick. I think it works better in a live-action play.
CR - just to say again, my friend, that doc we were playing in - I've always understood that as filler backstory material for the sake of fleshing out our two character's relationship (Elrohir/BT) - it being an aid to character development - never to finish/polish and post. It's all stuff that happened 'a long time back' in the characters' mutual histories.
Yes, the events and actions could be
alluded to in a dialogue that may happen 'real-time' to the story's present chronology, like this for example:
"Remember what I said to you when we parted on that bitter night when you're father berated you in his hall?" Elrohir asked gravely before they hauled BT away... (which will come, the hauling off... though Ro may not say that, exactly. He'll say something...) - and by doing so, by alluding to a shared history, create depth for that relationship and a more interesting reading experience. I see that as a wise use of backstory; interjection of character history in a piece of prose with dialog or brief memory flashbacks that are related to the action current in the story.
As we're collaboratively writing, we need to collaboratively create history and memory for our characters - obviously! That's what I was doing in there - I was hoping we could create a 'knowing' between characters to make the relationship, well - more plausible. And give your character some further grounding which to build on - connections between characters is what makes a story come alive. Just as connections with real people makes real life come alive. Getting all metaphysical-like here..
Just spelling it out here because I don't want to misrepresent m'self. And I was never quite sure I communicated the intent and purpose I was bringing to that collab doc well enough. Ok - so, we'll keep building a backstory and hopefully we can continue on with the 'fore-story' and BT can carry on building his connections, friendships, bonds with the crew.
And not all attempts at connection need be successful,either to make a good plot and story as the dynamic between Garia and Harah shows - whereas Radesh and Harah have a kindly one. Garia and Missy..well..
I think Martin's crafting of Tyrion Lannister is a fantastic example of how the character actively engages other character in relationship - sometimes successfully, sometimes not - sometimes the character has a long history with the Imp, sometimes not - and the result is he's riveting to read; imho. Tyrion ENGAGES with every character he's thrown in with. Fabulous.
