Writing Craft: Ad Hominem Attacks on Your Protagonist (Advanced Fiction Writing)

 

Craft: Ad Hominem Attacks on Your Protagonist

by Randy Ingermanson

Advanced Fiction Writing 

The protagonist of your novel is going to face obstacles. A lot of obstacles. Of all different types. 

The exact kinds of obstacles will depend on what kind of novel you’re writing. This month, we’ll talk about one particular kind of obstacle that most of us face often in real life. But I can’t recall ever seeing it discussed before in a book on fiction writing.

This particular obstacle is called an “ad hominem” attack.

What’s an Ad Hominem Attack?

Rather than tell you, I’ll show you by giving an example. If you took geometry in high school, then you learned something called the “Pythagorean theorem.” This is a theorem about triangles that is said to have been first proved by Pythagoras, a Greek mathematician who lived in the sixth century BC. 

We don’t know who actually discovered this theorem, but let’s pretend it really was Pythagoras, as the legends say. Let’s imagine that he wanted to tell his friends about it. And let’s pretend that his friends threw up all sorts of objections to his new theorem. Here’s how the dialogue might have gone:

Pythagoras: “I’ve discovered this amazing theorem. Take any right triangle on a plane. If you add up the squares of the lengths of the two short sides, you get the same number as the square of the length of the long side.”

Friend 1: “Your theorem is false because you’re an Egyptian, and all Egyptians are idiots.”

Pythagoras: “I’m not an Egyptian! But even if I was, that has nothing to do with whether my theorem is true.”

Friend 2: “Your theorem is false because you’re a Greek, and all Greeks are liars.”

Pythagoras: “Yes, I’m a Greek, but that still has nothing to do with whether my theorem is true.”

Friend 3: “Your theorem is false because you are gullible and easily fooled into believing false theorems.”

Pythagoras: “Even if I were gullible, you would still have to prove my theorem is false. Gullible people can believe true things.”

Friend 4: “Your theorem is false because you have a bad motive. You always wanted to become famous by discovering some deep mathematical theorem.”

Pythagoras: “Yes, I’ve always wanted to become famous by discovering some deep mathematical theorem, and now I will because my theorem is very deep and it’s also true. A theorem does not become false merely because I have impure motives.”

Friend 5: “Your theorem is false because you have a bad motive. You hope to use this theorem to short-weight your scales so you can cheat your customers.”

Pythagoras: “No, that’s a lie. But I won’t waste time refuting your malicious attack, because your lie is irrelevant. A theorem does not become false merely because I have impure motives. But your lie tells me something about how your mind works—your first reaction to my theorem is to tie it in to cheating people. I won’t be buying figs from you in the future.”

Friend 6: “Your theorem is false because you believe in transmigration of souls, which is a stupid idea. If you were wrong once, you are wrong every time.” 

Pythagoras: “I might be wrong on transmigration of souls and still be right about my theorem. Being wrong once does not prove I am wrong every time. Just look at the proof of my theorem and you must agree it’s true.”

Friends 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6: “We don’t have to look at your proof because we already gave good arguments that your theorem is false.”

Pythagoras: “All your arguments are arguments against ME, rather than arguments against my theorem. Your arguments are irrelevant. My theorem stands on its own, whether I’m flawed or not.”

And that’s the nature of an ad hominem attack. “Ad hominem” is Latin for “to the man” and it means that an argument is aimed at a person, rather than being aimed at what the person is saying.

Each of the friends chose a different kind of ad hominem attack on Pythagoras. Some of their attacks were actually true. Some were false. But it doesn’t matter whether an ad hominem attack is true or false, because it’s irrelevant to the question of whether the actual theorem is true or false. 

A theorem is true or false on its own merits. A person’s national origin, personality traits, motives, and past history have NOTHING to do with the theorem’s truth.

What Does This Have to Do With Fiction?

Ad hominem attacks are one way of deflecting an argument away from ideas. An ad hominem attack throws mud on a person, with the hope of also throwing mud on that person’s ideas. And fiction often involves exactly that.

Are you writing a murder mystery? There’s an objective question to be answered here—which suspect is the killer? The detective needs to answer that question. When the detective starts getting close, he or she is likely to be hit with an ad hominem attack to deflect attention from the facts.

Are you writing a legal thriller? The defendant is either guilty or innocent. That’s the objective question to be answered. The defendant’s lawyer may be getting paid lots of money to defend the client. The lawyer may be grandstanding to make a name for himself. Those aren’t great motives, but they don’t prove the defendant is guilty. If the prosecutor has a weak case, they may make an ad hominem attack to muddy the defense in the jury’s eyes.

Are you writing a spy novel or a political thriller or a military novel? Your protagonist will face hard questions. Getting the wrong answer will have huge consequences. There is a right answer and a wrong answer, even if nobody knows which is which. Your protagonist is (hopefully) trying to find the right answer. And on his way, it’s very likely that he’s going to get hit with ad hominem attacks. 

The reason ad hominem attacks are common in real life is because they’re easy. And because they work.

Dealing With an Ad Hominem Attack

How is your character supposed to deal with an ad hominem attack?

It’s very natural to get angry when somebody goes ad hominem on you. It’s natural, but it doesn’t solve the problem.

I’ve seen ad hominem attacks many times over the years, sometimes coming at me and sometimes directed at other people. There’s a wrong way and a right way to answer them.

The wrong way is to fight fire with fire. If somebody makes an ad hominem attack on you, you can’t respond with an ad hominem attack back on them. That’s lame and drags you down to their level and it confuses the issue.

The right way is to unconfuse the issue. There are three steps to this:

1. Start by saying clearly that they’ve made an ad hominem attack. You may have to define what ad hominem means, because not everybody knows this term.
2. Then point out that ad hominem attacks are just a way of deflecting the argument from logic and evidence. It’s a sign that the other guy’s case is weak. But it’s not proof the other guy is wrong. The only way to prove the other guy is wrong is to go back to logic and evidence. 
3. Then go back to logic and evidence and make your case. (If the only thing you can say is that the other guy is making an ad hominem argument, then you yourself have fallen into an ad hominem argument. But if you also have logic and evidence on your side, then pointing out that the other guy has gone ad hominem is the only practical way to get things back on track.)

This actually works in real life. And it works in fiction. It works in fiction BECAUSE it works in real life.

Fiction is all about conflict, and conflict isn’t always a fair fight. I’m hoping your protagonist fights fair, but I’m guessing your villain doesn’t. Which makes ad hominem attacks a very useful tool for adding conflict to your fiction. 

Homework

Think of a time in your own life when someone used an ad hominem attack against you. 

How did it feel? That’s how your characters should feel when they come under a personal attack.

Why was the ad hominem attack irrelevant? Were you able to explain at the time why it was irrelevant? Did you eventually bring the argument back to logic and evidence?

Think of a time in your own life when you used an ad hominem attack on someone else. (Not trying to make you feel guilty here, but the odds are good that you’ve done it. Most people have. It’s only human.)

Why did you sink to that level? Did you know at the time that your attack was irrelevant? Did it work anyway? How do you feel about it now? That’s how your villains might feel when they make a personal attack on the protagonist in your novel.

Also see:

• Ad Hominem Attacks on Your Protagonist: Crafting Conflict Through Character

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About The Author

Randy Ingermanson is a theoretical physicist and the award-winning author of six novels. He has taught at numerous writing conferences over the years and publishes the free monthly Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine.

 

 Randy Ingermanson Books at Amazon

 

More Advanced Fiction Writing

Writing Quote: Action is the pulse of any good story, but the character is the heart. If the action has no consequence to the character, the story loses heart. — Linda Yezak

 

 

The Heart of the Story: Balancing Action and Character in Fiction Writing

by Olivia Salter

In fiction writing, the interplay between action and character development is essential for crafting compelling narratives. Linda Yezak's quote, "Action is the pulse of any good story, but the character is the heart. If the action has no consequence to the character, the story loses heart," succinctly captures this dynamic. This article explores the importance of balancing action with character development and offers insights on how writers can ensure their stories resonate deeply with readers.

The Role of Action in Storytelling

Action drives the plot forward, creating momentum and engaging the reader. It encompasses all the events and conflicts that occur within a story, from dramatic confrontations to subtle interactions. Well-executed action scenes captivate readers, keeping them on the edge of their seats. However, action alone is not enough to sustain a story. Without meaningful consequences for the characters involved, action can feel empty and disconnected.

Character as the Heart of the Story

Characters are the emotional core of any story. They are the vessels through which readers experience the narrative. A story's impact hinges on its characters' journeys, their growth, and the emotional stakes they face. When readers care about the characters, they become invested in the story's outcome. This emotional connection is what gives a story its heart and makes it memorable.

Connecting Action to Character Development

To create a story with heart, writers must ensure that the action has significant consequences for the characters. Each event should affect the characters in meaningful ways, driving their development and revealing new facets of their personalities. This connection between action and character creates a dynamic, layered narrative that resonates with readers.

For instance, a chase scene can be thrilling, but it becomes truly compelling when it reveals a character's bravery, desperation, or vulnerability. A confrontation between characters gains depth when it leads to a change in their relationship or understanding of each other. By intertwining action with character development, writers can create stories that are both exciting and emotionally rich.

Creating Relatable and Complex Characters

Characters should be multidimensional, with strengths, weaknesses, desires, and fears. Their reactions to the story's events should be consistent with their established traits yet capable of evolving as the narrative progresses. Relatable characters with complex motivations make the consequences of the action more impactful. Readers are more likely to empathize with characters who feel real and whose experiences mirror their own emotions and struggles.

Balancing Plot and Character

Striking the right balance between plot-driven action and character-driven storytelling is key. While action propels the story forward, character development provides depth and emotional resonance. Writers should avoid action that feels gratuitous or disconnected from the characters' journeys. Instead, every event should serve a purpose in advancing both the plot and the characters' arcs.

In conclusion, Linda Yezak's quote highlights a fundamental truth in fiction writing: the most engaging stories are those where action and character development are seamlessly intertwined. Action provides the pulse, but character is the heart. By ensuring that the events of the story have meaningful consequences for the characters, writers can create narratives that are not only thrilling but also emotionally compelling. This balance is what transforms a good story into a great one, leaving a lasting impact on readers.

 

Also see:

• Fiction Writing Books at Amazon

 

Mastering the Art of Novel Writing: Key Details for Crafting a Compelling Story

by Olivia Salter

Writing a truly good novel is a complex and rewarding endeavor. It requires a balance of seeing the big picture while meticulously managing countless details. From conceptualizing the overarching story to breaking it down into a coherent structure and developing compelling character arcs, each element plays a crucial role. Here's a guide to mastering these key aspects of novel writing.

The Big Story: Vision and Concept

1. Develop a Strong Premise: Your novel’s premise is the foundation of your story. It should be clear, compelling, and intriguing. Ask yourself: What is the core idea or conflict driving the narrative? A strong premise will guide your plot and keep you focused.
2. Understand Your Theme: The theme is the underlying message or insight your novel conveys. It adds depth and meaning to your story. Identifying your theme early on helps ensure your narrative stays cohesive and resonates with readers.
3. Outline the Plot: A well-structured plot is essential for maintaining momentum and reader interest. Outline the major events and turning points in your story. This roadmap will help you navigate the narrative and avoid plot holes or inconsistencies.

Breaking Down the Story: Structure and Pacing

1. Master Story Structure: Familiarize yourself with common story structures, such as the three-act structure, the Hero’s Journey, or the Freytag Pyramid. These frameworks provide a blueprint for organizing your narrative into a beginning, middle, and end.
2. Pacing and Rhythm: Keep your readers engaged by managing the pacing of your story. Alternate between high-tension scenes and quieter moments to create a rhythm that sustains interest. Ensure each scene advances the plot or deepens character development.
3. Crafting Scenes and Chapters: Each scene should have a clear purpose, contributing to the overall story. Chapters should end with hooks or questions to encourage readers to keep turning the pages. Balance scene length to maintain a dynamic flow.

Character Arcs: Development and Transformation

1. Create Complex Characters: Develop multi-dimensional characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and flaws. They should feel real and relatable, with clear goals driving their actions. Readers should care about what happens to them.
2. Plan Character Arcs: Characters should evolve over the course of your novel. Define their starting point, the challenges they face, and their transformation by the end. Effective character arcs add emotional depth and keep readers invested.
3. Show, Don’t Tell: Reveal character traits and changes through actions, dialogue, and interactions rather than exposition. This approach makes the character development more organic and engaging for readers.

Additional Details to Hone

1. Dialogue: Write authentic and purposeful dialogue that reflects your characters’ personalities and advances the plot. Avoid long-winded conversations and ensure each line serves a function.
2. Setting and World-Building: Create immersive settings that enhance your story. Use vivid descriptions to bring your world to life, making it a character in its own right. Consistency in your world-building details is crucial for maintaining believability.
3. Point of View and Narrative Voice: Choose the right point of view (POV) for your story, whether first person, third person, or omniscient. Your narrative voice should be consistent and suited to the tone and style of your novel.

Practical Steps for Writing Success

1. Set Goals and Deadlines: Establish a writing schedule with clear goals and deadlines. Consistency is key to making steady progress on your novel.
2. Revise and Edit: Writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint. After completing your first draft, take time to revise and polish your manuscript. Seek feedback from beta readers or critique groups to identify areas for improvement.
3. Read Widely and Study Craft: Immerse yourself in the genre you’re writing. Read widely to understand different styles and techniques. Studying the craft of writing through books, workshops, and courses can provide valuable insights and skills.

In conclusion, writing a really good novel involves mastering numerous details, from envisioning the big story to structuring your plot and developing rich character arcs. By focusing on these key elements and honing your skills, you can create a compelling and memorable narrative. Remember, writing a novel is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and a passion for storytelling. Embrace the process, and let your creativity guide you.

Also see:

• Novel Writing Books at Amazon
•  K. M. Weiland Books at Amazon  (Excellent books to read for aspiring authors. )
  

 

Crafting Captivating Short Stories: Keep the Suspense, Conflict, and Action Constant

by Olivia Salter

Short stories, by their nature, demand a tight and engaging narrative. Unlike novels, where there is room for gradual build-up and detailed exposition, short stories require an economy of words and a relentless pace to keep readers hooked. The key to achieving this is maintaining constant suspense, conflict, and action. A scene without conflict in a novel might slow the pace, but in a short story, it can derail the entire narrative. Here's how to ensure your short story stays compelling from start to finish.

The Essentials of a Gripping Short Story

1. Immediate Hook: Start your story with a strong opening that grabs the reader’s attention. This could be an intriguing question, a dramatic incident, or a compelling character in a dilemma. The goal is to immerse the reader immediately, setting the tone for the rest of the story.
2. Constant Conflict: Conflict is the driving force of any narrative, but in short stories, it must be present in every scene. Whether it's internal (a character’s personal struggle) or external (a clash between characters or against an environment), conflict propels the story forward and keeps the reader engaged.
3. Pacing and Momentum: With limited word count, every sentence must serve a purpose. Maintain a brisk pace by cutting unnecessary details and focusing on the action. Each scene should build on the last, escalating the tension and stakes.
4. Suspense and Tension: Keep readers on the edge of their seats by weaving suspense throughout your story. Reveal information gradually, use cliffhangers, and create situations where the outcome is uncertain. This will keep readers eager to find out what happens next.
5. Dynamic Characters: In a short story, characters must be vividly drawn with minimal exposition. Use dialogue, actions, and brief but potent descriptions to convey who they are and what they want. Their desires and fears should drive the conflict and action.

Techniques for Maintaining Conflict and Action

1. Start In Medias Res: Begin your story in the middle of the action. This technique, known as in medias res, immediately plunges the reader into the heart of the conflict, bypassing unnecessary setup.
2. Use Dialogue Wisely: Dialogue can be a powerful tool for revealing conflict and advancing the plot. Ensure conversations are loaded with tension and subtext, moving the story forward rather than stalling it.
3. Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of explaining a character’s emotions or the story’s background, show them through actions and interactions. This approach keeps the narrative dynamic and engaging.
4. Build to a Climax: Structure your story to build steadily towards a climax. Each scene should increase in intensity, leading to a final, dramatic confrontation or revelation.
5. Keep it Concise: Avoid extraneous details and digressions. Each word should contribute to the overall narrative, enhancing the suspense, conflict, or action.

The Pitfalls of Low Conflict

In a novel, occasional scenes without conflict can be used for character development or world-building. However, in a short story, these scenes can halt the momentum and lose the reader’s interest. Here’s why conflict is crucial in every scene of a short story:

• Maintains Engagement: Conflict keeps readers emotionally invested in the characters and the outcome of the story.
• Drives Plot Forward: Each conflict, no matter how small, pushes the narrative toward its resolution.
• Reveals Character: How characters respond to conflict reveals their true nature and motivations, making them more relatable and interesting.

Example of Effective Conflict in Short Stories

Consider Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery.” From the very beginning, there’s a sense of unease and tension. The seemingly mundane setting quickly reveals underlying conflicts among the townspeople, culminating in a shocking and powerful climax. Every scene is laden with suspense, driving the reader toward the story’s harrowing conclusion.

In conclusion, writing a captivating short story requires maintaining constant suspense, conflict, and action. Each scene should contribute to the escalating tension, keeping the reader engaged and invested. By focusing on these elements, you can craft short stories that are not only compelling but also memorable. Remember, in the concise world of short fiction, a scene without conflict is a disaster—so keep the tension high and the narrative tight.

Also see:

• Books on Writing Short Stories
• Read Shirley Jackson’s "The Lottery" for free.

Writing Quote: A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit. — Richard Bach

 

The Journey from Amateur to Professional: Embracing the Persistence in Fiction Writing

 

by Olivia Salter

Richard Bach’s quote, "A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit," encapsulates a profound truth about the journey of becoming a successful writer. Fiction writing, like any art form, requires dedication, resilience, and an unwavering belief in one’s ability to improve and succeed. This article explores the implications of Bach's words and offers insights into how aspiring fiction writers can embrace the journey from amateur to professional.
 

The Amateur's Beginning

Every professional writer starts as an amateur, brimming with ideas but often lacking the skill to execute them perfectly. The initial stages of fiction writing are filled with learning and experimentation. Amateurs may struggle with plot structure, character development, and finding their unique voice. However, these early attempts are crucial; they lay the foundation for growth and improvement.

 

The Importance of Persistence

Persistence is the cornerstone of success in fiction writing. The difference between an amateur and a professional is often the willingness to keep going despite setbacks. Rejections, negative feedback, and self-doubt are common obstacles. Yet, those who push through these challenges, continuously honing their craft, will eventually see progress. Each story written, each draft revised, and each critique absorbed brings a writer closer to their goal.
 

Learning from Failure

Failure is an inevitable part of the writing journey. Instead of viewing it as a setback, successful writers see it as an opportunity for growth. Each failed story or rejected manuscript provides valuable lessons. By analyzing what went wrong and making necessary adjustments, writers can improve their skills. This iterative process is essential for transforming an amateur into a professional.
 

The Role of Discipline

Discipline is another critical factor in the transition from amateur to professional. Writing regularly, setting goals, and maintaining a routine helps build momentum and fosters continuous improvement. Professionals treat writing as a job, dedicating time and effort consistently, even when inspiration wanes. This disciplined approach ensures steady progress and development.
 

Embracing the Craft

A deep love for the craft of writing is what sustains professionals through the tough times. Passion fuels persistence. Aspiring writers must immerse themselves in the world of fiction, reading extensively, studying different genres, and understanding the nuances of storytelling. This passion for the craft keeps the fire burning, motivating writers to keep going, no matter the obstacles.
 

Seeking Support and Community

The writing journey can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Joining writing groups, attending workshops, and seeking feedback from peers can provide encouragement and fresh perspectives. A supportive community helps writers stay motivated and accountable. Moreover, learning from others’ experiences and insights can significantly aid in one’s growth as a writer.
 

In conclusion, Richard Bach’s quote serves as a powerful reminder that the path to becoming a professional writer is paved with persistence, discipline, and an enduring love for the craft. By embracing the journey, learning from failures, and continuously honing their skills, aspiring fiction writers can transform from amateurs into accomplished professionals. The key is to never quit, to keep writing, and to believe in the power of perseverance.

 

Also see:

• Fiction Writing Books at Amazon

A Manual of the Art of Fiction by Clayton Hamilton (PDF)

 

 A Manual of the Art of Fiction

by Clayton Hamilton

Foreword:

In an age where the art of storytelling is both celebrated and challenged by rapid technological advancements, Clayton Hamilton's "A Manual of the Art of Fiction" emerges as a beacon of timeless wisdom. This work is not merely a guide; it is a thoughtful exploration of the intricate tapestry that comprises fictional writing. 

Hamilton, a luminary in the realm of literature, brings forth his extensive knowledge and passion for the craft, illuminating the paths that aspiring writers must navigate to hone their skills. His keen insights delve into the essence of narrative structure, character development, and the delicate balance between creativity and discipline—elements that form the foundation of compelling fiction.

As you embark on this literary journey through Hamilton's manual, you will discover that the principles laid out within its pages resonate with an enduring relevance. The author's belief in the transformative power of fiction is palpable, encouraging writers to embrace their unique voices while understanding the broader landscape of literary tradition.

This manual serves not only as an instructional text but also as an invitation to engage with the art of storytelling on a deeper level. It challenges us to ask not just how we write, but why we write, igniting a passion for the craft that transcends mere technique. 

In essence, Hamilton's work is a celebration of imagination and a call to action for all who dare to weave their narratives into the world. Whether you are an experienced author or a novice seeking guidance, this manual offers invaluable insights that will inspire and elevate your writing journey. 

May you find in these pages the encouragement to pursue your own artistic endeavors, and may the stories you create resonate with the hearts and minds of readers for generations to come.

Olivia Salter

07/31/2024

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Unlock Your Story’s Potential with ProWritingAid

Unlock Your Story’s Potential with ProWritingAid

By Olivia Salter

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