Writerly Wednesday

Villain or Hero? Skip The Tired Tropes Consult the Philosophers

Many authors, including myself, have a theory about what makes a book sell past one or two printings.

One word. 

Magic. 

Well, not quite. Here’s what we see. 

Over the years, philosophers, theologians, and others have narrowed down seven basic good characteristics and seven not-so-good things a person does. Over time, they’ve been labeled the Seven Heavenly Virtues and the Seven Deadly Sins. 

It’s easy to list them. Perhaps we’ll spend the time later. But for now, let’s talk about one virtue—loading the dishwasher. 

Loading the dishwasher is also coupled with unloading, and over the past 6,000 years, dishwashing has been known to be one of the greatest attributes a human can obtain.  

Sort of, because when you write about a visitor doing the dishes for the host, you show an essential attribute. This person has one of the Seven Heavenly Virtues: Charity, a selfless love for others and desire to serve. You’ve just written an attribute for your character that transcends all of time. It gives your book staying power. 

Now, what if you wanted to make your character a villain? Say the host in this story is recovering from a terrible car accident. Without lifting a finger, your character lounges at the dining room table, expounding on their latest successes, while your host labors over the dishes at the kitchen sink. Yeah, it’s not okay. The character is slothful and a bit of a narcissist. A loser. 

When writing, focus on showing the character through the cardinal and deadly sevens. Your book may have magic staying power! 

Not all views expressed are those of every member of ICW.

Author

  • Peter Leavell

    Peter Leavell, a graduate of Boise State University with a degree in history and a MA in English Literature, was the 2011 winner of the Christian Writers Guild’s Operation First Novel contest and 2013 Christian Retailing’s Best award for First-Time Author, along with multiple other awards. An author, blogger, teacher, ghostwriter, jogger, biker, husband, and father, Peter and his family live in Boise, Idaho. Learn more about Peter’s books, research, and family adventures at www.peterleavell.com

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