“The two levels of reality that preceded storytelling are objective reality and subjective reality.” (Yuval Noah Harari, Nexus)
Writing Exercise: Exploring Objective and Subjective Reality in Character Development
Key Writing Practice Development Techniques:
1. Balancing Objective and Subjective Reality: This involves presenting a character’s inner perception (subjective reality) while grounding the narrative in observable, external details (objective reality). The tension between these realities creates depth and complexity.
2. Building Unreliable Narration: By contrasting what the character perceives with objective cues, writers can craft unreliable narrators, adding intrigue and layers of meaning.
3. Implying Conflict Through Perception: The discrepancy between objective events and subjective interpretations highlights conflict, revealing character flaws, fears, or desires without overt explanation.
500-Word Writing Prompt:
Write a scene where a character experiences a mundane event (e.g., walking through a crowded market, attending a work meeting, or riding a subway).
• First, establish the objective reality with concrete, sensory details that anyone in the scene could perceive. Describe the setting, actions, and events as if through an impartial observer’s eyes.
• Then, shift to the character’s subjective reality, weaving in their internal narrative. Show how they interpret (or misinterpret) the scene based on their emotional state, personal biases, or hidden motives.
• Finally, use the tension between these realities to reveal something surprising or poignant about the character. Perhaps their perception leads to a misunderstanding, a realization, or a moment of vulnerability.
Example Concept:
• Strong Response: A character walking through a crowded market objectively sees a vendor drop an apple, but subjectively, they interpret this as a metaphor for their own failure in life. The description contrasts the bustling, lively market with the character’s growing sense of isolation, revealing their depressive mindset.
• Weak Response: A character narrates only their feelings without grounding them in observable actions or setting, or the scene focuses exclusively on external events without revealing the character’s inner world.
Evaluation Criteria:
1. Balance and Integration: Does the scene integrate both objective and subjective realities? Are they clearly distinguishable yet interwoven to create meaning?
2. Depth of Character Insight: Does the subjective reality reveal the character’s unique perspective, biases, or emotional state in a nuanced way?
3. Use of Sensory Details: Are the objective elements vividly and specifically described, anchoring the reader in the scene?
4. Conflict and Tension: Does the tension between the two realities create narrative interest or contribute to character development?
Follow-Up Questions for Workshopping/Revision:
1. Are there moments where the subjective reality feels disconnected from the objective reality? How might they be better linked?
2. Does the character’s perception feel authentic and specific to their personality and backstory? If not, what details could enhance this?
3. What emotions or conflicts are implied through the character’s perspective? Are they effectively conveyed to the reader?
4. How might you increase the tension or contrast between the two levels of reality?
Recommended Reading:
Read “The Lady with the Little Dog” by Anton Chekhov. This story exemplifies how objective details (e.g., setting, actions) interact with subjective realities (e.g., the characters’ inner conflicts and shifting emotions). Pay attention to how Chekhov juxtaposes external actions, like a walk by the sea, with the deeply personal and evolving perceptions of both protagonists, revealing profound truths about love and regret.
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