The Hero says "Yes"

[idiosyncreant]

"One of the most important of the rules that make improv possible, for example, is the idea of agreement, the notion that a very simple way to create a story - or humor - is to have characters accept everything that happens to them. ... 'Good improvisors seem telepathic; everything looks pre-arranged,' Johnston writes. "This is because they accept all offers made - which is something no 'normal' person would do."    ~ Blink, Malcolm Gladwell

This slightly different in angle (referring to accepting offers, in improv comedy) but is very much in line with what is said in Audition about not saying "no". Shurtleff corrects to actors who say "my character wouldn't do that".

If a character doesn't believe in love at first sight, but loves at first sight, isn't that more interesting? Doesn't that make for story?


Mulling on This

Thinking about this, I'm looking at stories, to see if this is true. Do all heroes say yes when someone else (the reader, for example) would say no?

In Seven Daughters and Seven Sons, the first part of the story is about Buran getting other people to allow her to say "yes"--and before that her father said, "I will teach my daughter chess, since I have no sons".

Frodo says "Yes, I will take the ring."
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell say, "Yes, we will revive magic together."
Eugenides says "I will steal the impossible."



An Example, from improv comedy

First with a "NO"
A: I'm having trouble with my led.
B: I'm afraid I'llhave to amputate.
A: You can't do that, Doctor.
B: Why not?
A: Because I'm rather attached to it.
B: (Losing heart) Come on, man.
A: I've got this grown on my arm too, Doctor.

Now with a "YES"
A: Augh!
B: What is it?
A: It's my leg, Doctor.
B: This looks nasty. I shall have to amputate.
A: It's the one you amputated last time, Doctor.
B: You mean you've got a pain in your wooden leg?
A: Yes, Doctor.
B: You know what this means?
A: Not woodworm, Doctor!
B: Yes. We'll have to remove it before it spreads to the rest of you.
(A's chair collapses)
B: Quick! It's spreading to the furniture!

Comments

[fraziersbrain.blogspot.com (from livejournal.com)]

The Hero says yes, but often not until he has first said no. Joseph Campbell calls it "Refusal of the Call" in Hero with a Thousand Faces.

In the screenplay classes I took years ago, my teacher emphasized a formula in which the character's backstory has left him desperate for change, but unable to change within himself. Not until he is forced out of his previous comfort zone/mindset by the events of the story.

Consider Star Wars (the original, which is not expertly written but has really obvious examples for critique purposes): Luke Skywalker is desperate to get away from Tattooine, but his uncle has thwarted his wishes. When Obi wan Kenobi then says, "You need to come with me to Alderaan," does Luke say, "Hell yeah, let's go?"

No, he says, "I'm not going to Alderaan." He's suddenly afraid of the unknown. It's easier to stay and blame it on his uncle's wishes rather than his own fears. Not until his aunt and uncle are killed is he free (forced) to go on the adventure that will determine his destiny.