“Leonard: First of all, I’m always writing from a point of view. I decide what the purpose of the scene is, and at least begin with some purpose. But, even more important, from whose point of view is this scene seen? Because then the narrative will take on somewhat the sound of the person who is seeing the scene. And from his dialogue, that’s what goes, somewhat, into the narrative. I start to write and I think, “Upon entering the room,” and I know I don’t want to say “Upon entering the room.” I don’t want my writing to sound like the way…” (Elmore Leonard, Killshot)
Writing Exercise: Character-Centered Narrative Voice
Techniques Illustrated by the Quotation:
1. Point of View as Anchor: Leonard emphasizes writing a scene from a distinct character’s perspective, letting their point of view shape how the world is perceived and described.
2. Voice Bleeding into Narrative: The narrative should carry hints of the character’s voice, allowing readers to experience the scene as the character does.
3. Purposeful Scene Design: Leonard stresses starting with a clear purpose for the scene, ensuring every element serves the story’s progression.
Writing Prompt:
Write a 500-word scene in which your protagonist enters an unfamiliar room. The purpose of the scene is to reveal a major aspect of their personality or backstory through their perception of and reaction to the space.
Constraints:
• The scene must be written in third-person limited, filtered entirely through the protagonist’s point of view.
• The language of the narrative should subtly reflect the character’s personality, mindset, or emotional state (e.g., their vocabulary, tone, and focus).
• Avoid clichés like “Upon entering the room.” Instead, let the description and action emerge organically through the character’s thoughts, feelings, and observations.
Example Setup:
A streetwise former thief enters a wealthy lawyer’s office for the first time, summoned to discuss a mysterious inheritance. How does the character’s background and attitude shape their perception of the polished furniture, legal books, and looming portraits?
Evaluation Criteria:
Strong Responses:
• Immersive Point of View: The scene feels rooted in the character’s perspective, revealing their personality and worldview through how they interact with the space.
• Narrative-Character Fusion: The narrative subtly reflects the character’s voice, even in third person, without overdoing it. For example, a skeptical character might focus on flaws or inconsistencies in the room, while an optimistic one might notice bright or inviting details.
• Scene Purpose: The scene conveys a clear intent, whether it’s to reveal vulnerability, conflict, or a key piece of backstory, without feeling heavy-handed.
Weak Responses:
• Detached Narrative: The writing feels generic, with descriptions that could fit any character, lacking the specificity of the protagonist’s lens.
• Inconsistent Voice: The narrative voice doesn’t align with the character’s perspective, or it fluctuates awkwardly between an external narrator and the character’s internal world.
• Unclear Purpose: The scene feels aimless, failing to advance the story or deepen the reader’s understanding of the character.
Follow-Up Questions for Workshop/Revision:
1. Does the narrative voice reflect the character’s personality, or does it feel detached from their point of view?
2. How effectively does the scene reveal aspects of the character’s backstory or emotional state? Could this be enhanced through sharper details or reactions?
3. Does the scene have a clear purpose within the larger narrative? If not, how could it be refined to better serve the story?
4. Are there moments where the language feels out of sync with the character’s perspective? How can this be corrected?
Recommended Reading:
• “The Swimmer” by John Cheever: The story’s narrative subtly shifts to mirror the protagonist’s unraveling mental state as he journeys through a surreal landscape.
• “Hunters in the Snow” by Tobias Wolff: A masterful use of third-person limited, where the characters’ perspectives shape the tone and focus of the story.
• “Killshot” by Elmore Leonard: Leonard’s novel exemplifies how point of view and dialogue-driven narrative voice create immersive character perspectives.
This exercise invites writers to practice aligning narrative and character voice while grounding their scenes in purpose, honing one of Leonard’s hallmark storytelling techniques.
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