Ian Fleming created probably the most iconic male figure in modern history when he created James Bond. Though Fleming never said so directly, it was often assumed that Bond was everything Fleming wished he could be, a claim he denied. In a 1963 interview for the Sunday Times, he said,
“I do rather envy him [Bond], his blondes and his efficiency, but I can’t say I much like the chap. His success with women is pure wishful thinking on my part.”
I was thinking about this earlier while working on the list of supporting characters for my short story, which will introduce my book series. As I wrote down the names of those who inspired the characters, I entered my own as the main character. There just is no denying that many writers use the persona of the man or woman that they wish they could be as the lead character of their stories. Though I’d like to think I am special, I am not. I suppose that’s what scares me a bit about my writing.
In my stories, I am blending actual events into a fictional scenario and want the facts to be the thread that gives the fiction plausibility. I want the reader to come away from my stories thinking Did this really happen to this guy? This could really have happened, and it sounds very similar to what happened to <insert name here>!
The problem with writing a leading character who is the polar opposite of who I am is that I am completely guessing what they would do. I have no idea how to be a leading man who is strong, confident, highly intelligent, and capable of handling anything life throws at him. But if you need a character who is scared shitless of life, doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing, only takes the opportunities that present themselves because he doesn’t have any marketable skills to dictate what opportunities he deserves – well, I can write that dude in my sleep!
Wish-Fulfillment Characters sound like the easiest characters to write, and to a seasoned pro, they very well may be. But for me, the idea of faking that level of confidence and competence is daunting. I don’t know how to write it convincingly, and that could derail my story from the start.
So what do I do?
No really . . . I’m asking.
BRANDON KELLER.NET 