It’s Power of Truth month, where for the next few weeks my content will revolve around the paranoid, the detectives and the conspiracy theorists. As i continue to work on my Power of Truth eBook, I like to listen to some tunes like these to get me into the mind of Power of Truth characters…

Better run for cover
You’re a hurricane full of lies
And the way you’re heading
No one’s getting out alive

So do us all a favor
Would you find somebody else to blame
‘Cause your words are like bullets and I’m the way your weapons aim

I guess I could fill a book with things that I don’t know about you baby
You’re not misunderstood but you got
You got to go

(Lies)
Living in a fantasy
(Lies)
Don’t even know reality
(Lies)
When you start talking I start walking
(Lies)
Lies, lies, lies

Don’t even wanna know the truth
(Lies)
The devil has his eye on you girl
(Lies)
When you start talking I start walking
(Lies)
Lies, lies, lies

So don’t forget your seatbelt
Don’t you think of picking up the phone
Better say your prayers ’cause you’re never gonna make it home

Did you miss the stop sign
That last decision was your last
‘Cause you can’t come back once you’re lying in the broken glass

And I hope you get to hear me say, “Who gets the last laugh now”

No more excuses
No more running
Only God can save you now
(God can save you now)
‘Cause I know the truth
Time is running out

And I’m just one drink away
And I’m back in Wonderland like it was yesterday
And I hope you get to hear me say, “Who gets the last”
“Who gets the last”
“Who gets the last laugh now”

Power of Idealism Month

This month is Power of Idealism month. We’ll be examining the type of Character who strives for excellence and never settles for second-best. Life is grand opera, where every emotion is heightened. They can’t just feel pain, they feel extreme pain. A romantic gesture isn’t enough, it has to over-the-top. “Complacent” or “satisfactory” isn’t in their vocabulary.

Throughout April, we will look at epic heroes, separated lovers and those coming of age. These Characters are dramatic types who are never satisfied and treat life as a never-ending pursuit of something better. They are passionate, intense and will never settle for anything less than the best. Even then, they will keep reaching for something better.

Hamilton

Hamilton is the musical portrayal of the life of Founding Father, First Secretary of the Treasury and face of the $10 bill, Alexander Hamilton. In the musical, at least, Hamilton is a Power of Idealism Character. His best friend, Aaron Burr, is Power of Truth.

Their conflict lies in Burr’s jealousy- he spends the musical asking “how could a bastard orphan” achieve everything that he does? Unlike Burr, who plays it safe, Hamilton always succeeds. Their argument lasting decades reaches its tragic end when Burr shoots Hamilton dead in a duel.

Every one of the songs that Hamilton himself sings relates to his relentless pursuit of crafting America in his own image. Everyone suffers for him- his wife Eliza, her sister Anjelica, his son and his political rivals. Hamilton breaks hearts and creates enemies as he embraces his epic destiny. It is not until later in his life, as the War of Independence is over and Thomas Jefferson arrives at the White House, that he faces defeat.

Everything that Hamilton does, he does for the American Project. Nothing else matters to him, because ever since his impoverished childhood, he’s had to write his way out to thrive. Talent serves him well, up to a point. His loss of a normal, happy life was America’s gain. In this musical, at least, it could be argued that Hamilton couldn’t have asked for a better death.

Epic Hero Stories

There are three Power of Idealism stories- Separated Lovers, Coming-Of-Age and Epic Hero. Hamilton is the latter, as is the 2004 historical film Troy. These stories follow legends, warriors, and icons who are doomed to die in a noble cause- often in war. In Hamilton’s case, it was his refusal to back down. His greatness cost him his life, but he will always be remembered for his achievements.

Other Power of Idealism Characters in Epic Hero stories are Colonel Robert Shaw (Matthew Broderick) in Glory, King Leonides (Gerard Butler) in 300 and William Wallace (Mel Gibson) in Braveheart. All these Characters sacrifice themselves for glory and honor, and their stories will live on.

Lyrics

Some of these lyrics from various Hamilton songs sum up Hamilton’s attitude and the Power of Idealism mindset. They also demonstrate how Hamilton is part of an Epic Hero story:

You could never back down

You never learned to take your time!

Alexander Hamilton

[King George] ain’t ever gonna set his descendants free

So there will be a revolution in this century

Enter me!

[…] Don’t be shocked when your hist’ry book mentions me

I will lay down my life if it sets us free.

[…] I imagine death so much it feels more like a memory
When’s it gonna get me?
In my sleep? Seven feet ahead of me?
If I see it comin’, do I run or do I let it be?
Is it like a beat without a melody?
See, I never thought I’d live past twenty
Where I come from some get half as many

[…]I’m past patiently waitin’. I’m passionately
Smashin’ every expectation
Every action’s an act of creation!
I’m laughin’ in the face of casualties and sorrow

Hamilton, My Shot

I may not live to see our glory!

But I will gladly join the fight!

And when our children tell our story…

They’ll tell the story of tonight

Hamilton, Story of Tonight

HAMILTON: If they tell my story

I am either gonna die on the battlefield in glory or Rise up!

WASHINGTON: Dying is easy, young man,

Living is harder.

Hamilton and Washington, Right Hand Man

ELIZA: Look at where you are
Look at where you started
The fact that you’re alive is a miracle
Just stay alive, that would be enough
And if your wife could share a fraction of your time
If I could grant you peace of mind
Would that be enough?

CHORUS: How do you write like tomorrow won’t arrive?
How do you write like you need it to survive?
How do you write ev’ry second you’re alive?
Ev’ry second you’re alive? Ev’ry second you’re alive?

Full Company, Non-Stop

Power of Idealism Month

Power of Idealism characters believe that life and love should involve a grand passion. They see the world in terms of sweeping epic poetry or as a struggle of operatic proportions.

Intensity of feeling (good or bad) makes this character’s life worth living. Power of Idealism characters feel it is better to be in pain than to be content or complacent.

These characters are willing to suffer for their art, their iconoclasm, or their noble or romantic gestures.
They believe that what is perfect but unavailable or unattainable is infinitely more desirable than what is flawed but possible or achievable.

“I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” Shelby Eatenton Latcherie (Julia Roberts) in Steel Magnolias

Throughout April, we will look at epic heroes, separated lovers and those coming of age. These are dramatic characters who are passionate, intense, and will never settle for anything less than perfection.

Separated Lovers

One of the three Power of Idealism kind or stories is are Separated Lovers- the romantics who are separated from one true love.

This character’s love is destined not to be joined in a lasting physical union on this mortal earth. Instead, theirs is a love that transcends time, distance, age, or death.

Nicholas Sparks is a pop culture master of this romance and tragedy form. His best-reviewed film, The Notebook, is a sweeping love story read from a faded notebook by a man to a woman in a nursing home, The story follows the lives of two North Carolina teens from very different worlds who spend a magical summer together before they are separated, first by her parents, and then by WWII.

Other classic examples are:

Romeo + Juliet (Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes) is the quintessential story of star-crossed romance. The teenaged lovers from warring families take their own lives to be together in death.

Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) in Casablanca. Rick, send his lover away to continue their separate roles
in the resistance movement during the most desperate days of World War II.

Karen Blixen (Meryl Streep) in Out of Africa, sends her lover away in order not to trap or cage his wild and free spirit.

Zhivago (Omar Sharif) in Doctor Zhivago, sends his lover away in order to save her life and the life of her child.

In each case,  love is transcendent because it will always live in their hearts— neither time, distance, or death will diminish it.

A darker take on ill-fated romance is Mickey and Mallory Knox (Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis) in Natural Born Killers.

Mickey and Mallory rebel against what they believe is a morally bankrupt society and the rapacious celebrity-crazed media which created them (and which they taunt and scorn). As the pair continue their killing spree, they always leave one witness to “tell the tale” of Mickey and Mallory Knox to the rest of the world. They know they only have a future together in legend and death.

Get the Power of Idealism eBook HERE.

SaveSave

SaveSave

This month is Power of Idealism month. We’ll be examining the type of Character who strives for excellence, and never settles for second-best. They see life as a grandiose melodrama, where every emotion is heightened. They can’t just feel pain, they feel extreme pain. A romantic gesture isn’t enough, it has to be grand and over-the-top. Power of Idealism Characters don’t know what the words “complacent” or “satisfactory” mean.

Throughout April, we will look at epic heroes, separated lovers and those coming of age. The dramatic types who are never satisfied, and treat life as a never-ending pursuit for something better. They are passionate, intense and will never settle for anything less than the best. Even then, they will keep reaching for something better.

To start off Power of Idealism month, here are some anthems that help define the mindset of this Character Type.

“The Impossible Dream” by Andy Williams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KufFjcWOUQ

To dream the impossible dream
to smite the unbeatable foe
to bear with unbearable sorrow
to run where the brave dare not go
to right the unrightable wrong
to love your ever chased from afar
to tr when your arms are to weary
to reach the unreachable star
this is my quest, to follow that star
no matter how hopeless
no matter how far
to fight for the right without question or cause
to be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause
and I know If I only could do this glorious quest
that my heart will I be peaceful and come when I’m late to my rest
and the world will be better for this
that one man sore with uncoverable scars
still stroll with his last ounce of courage
to fight with the unbeatable foe
to reach the unreachable star

“The Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga

There ain’t no reason you and me should be alone
Tonight yeah baby, tonight yeah baby
But I got a reason that you-hoo should take me home tonight

I need a man that makes it right when it’s so wrong
Tonight yeah baby, tonight yeah baby
Right on the limit’s where we know we both belong tonight

It’s time to feel the rush to push the dangerous
I’m gonna run right to, to the edge with you
Where we’ll both fall far in love

I’m on the edge of glory and I’m hangin’ on a moment of truth
Out on the edge of glory and I’m hangin’ on a moment with you

I’m on the edge, the edge, the edge,
The edge, the edge, the edge, the edge

I’m on the edge of glory
And I’m hangin’ on a moment with you
I’m on the edge with you

Another shot before we kiss the other side
Tonight yeah baby, tonight yeah baby
I’m on the edge of something final we call life tonight alright, alright

Put on your shades ’cause I’ll be dancing in the flames
Tonight yeah baby, tonight yeah baby
It isn’t hell if everybody knows my name tonight alright, alright

It’s time to feel the rush to push the dangerous
I’m gonna run right to, to the edge with you
Where we can both fall far in love

I’m on the edge of glory and I’m hangin’ on a moment of truth
Out on the edge of glory and I’m hangin’ on a moment with you

I’m on the edge, the edge, the edge,
The edge, the edge, the edge, the edge

I’m on the edge of glory
And I’m hangin’ on a moment with you
I’m on the edge with you
I’m on the edge with you
I’m on the edge with you

I’m on the edge of glory and I’m hangin’ on a moment of truth
Out on the edge of glory and I’m hangin’ on a moment with you

I’m on the edge, the edge, the edge,
The edge, the edge, the edge, the edge

I’m on the edge of glory and I’m hangin’ on a moment with you
I’m on the edge with you

“Rocket Man” by Elton John

She packed my bags last night, pre-flight
Zero hour nine AM
And I’m gonna be high as a kite by then
I miss the earth so much I miss my wife
It’s lonely out in space
On such a timeless flight

And I think it’s gonna be a long long time
‘Till touch down brings me round again to find
I’m not the man they think I am at home
Oh no no no I’m a rocket man
Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone

And I think it’s gonna be a long long time
‘Till touch down brings me round again to find
I’m not the man they think I am at home
Oh no no no I’m a rocket man
Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone

Mars ain’t the kind of place to raise your kids
In fact it’s cold as hell
And there’s no one there to raise them if you did
And all this science I don’t understand
It’s just my job five days a week
A rocket man, a rocket man

And I think it’s gonna be a long long time
‘Till touch down brings me round again to find
I’m not the man they think I am at home
Oh no no no I’m a rocket man
Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone

And I think it’s gonna be a long long time
‘Till touch down brings me round again to find
I’m not the man they think I am at home
Oh no no no I’m a rocket man
Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone

And I think it’s gonna be a long long time

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Oh no darling
No wind, no rain
Or winters cold can stop me baby, na na baby
‘Cause you are my goal
If you’re ever in trouble
I’ll be there on the double
Just send for me, oh baby, ha

My love is alive
Way down in my heart
Although we are miles apart
If you ever need a helping hand
I’ll be there on the double
Just as fast as I can
Don’t you know that there

Ain’t no mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough
Ain’t no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you babe

Don’tcha know that there
Ain’t no mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough
Ain’t no river wide enough
Ain’t mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough

Faith, Belief, and Religion

Taking a respite from the usual format for Types Tuesday, as I found this brilliant video essay and just had to share it.

Faith and Belief are unique to every person, whether they are religious, spiritual, agnostic or atheist. It is a universal struggle, whoever you are, and it is something so nuanced that it can make for excellent drama, and create rich, empathetic conflicts for your Characters. It makes for such interesting and engaging stories.

Video Essay

I’ll discuss this in a little more detail on Thursday, but for now, I hope this video essay, by 21st Century Cinephile on Youtube, gives you something to think about:

Power of Reason Month

This month is Power of Reason month. We’ll be examining a type of Character that know exactly how the world should be. Power of Reason Characters solve problems with a sense of detachment. These Characters are precise, seeing the world as complex puzzles to be solved. When their own personal logic is challenged, they can turn to the dark side as they try to revert any deviation. Nothing distracts them from their singular view of the world- emotion does not factor into their actions.

Throughout March, we will look at Scientists, Serial Killers and Strategists and try to understand why these Characters are so rigid in their logic and reasoning. Power of Reason Characters may seem one-note and unwavering, but their detachment and problem-solving can be as fascinating as it is horrifying.

Power of Reason Detectives

By their very nature, Detectives that adhere to the Power of Reason Character Type have no time for the consideration of others- they can be blunt and rude, because other people and their feelings get in the way of logic and solving the puzzles that need to be solved.

Unlike Power of Truth Detectives, they don’t seek to uncover conspiracies, they merely see conundrums that can only be answered logically. Those who don’t think like them are a hindrance to their methods.

Let’s look at two of the most notable of these detectives.

House

Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie), the titular star of the Fox show,  has a horrible bedside manner. Doctors are often emotionally detached due to the nature of their job.

They see the body and its ailments are puzzles to be solved and can’t afford to become invested in those who might die.But House takes this to the extreme. He is rude and initially unlikeable.

But it is this attitude that makes him a good medical detective. Nothing distracts him from his goal, and it’s how he often gets the job done. As a person, this lack of sentimentality and warmth is a problem. As a detective, it makes him the best at what he does. This is the trade-off for Power of Reason Characters- be great and alienated, or ordinary but loved.

Poirot

Agatha Christie’s iconic sleuth Hercule Poirot, most recently portrayed by Kenneth Branagh, is no less abrasive than House. However, Poirot’s approach is more charming because he realizes understanding human behavior will help him crack his cases. House sees people as problems, whereas Poirot sees them as flawed individuals whose flaws contain the answers to solving his mysteries.

Although not everyone liked it, the recent Murder on the Orient Express film adaptation did a great job of depicting Poirot’s worldview being tested and forcing him to make sacrifices. By the end of the film, in his own way Poirot becomes a little more human.

His methods are every bit as effective as House’s, but Poirot realizes that empathizing with his suspects allows him to understand them and therefore figure them out as innocents and culprits.

This month is Power of Reason month. We’ll be examining a type of Character that know exactly how the world should be. Power of Reason Characters solve problems with a sense of detachment. These Characters are precise, seeing the world as complex puzzles to be solved. When their own personal logic is challenged, they can turn to the dark side as they try to revert any deviation. Nothing distracts them from their singular view of the world- emotion does not factor into their actions.

Throughout March, we will look at Scientists, Serial Killers and Strategists and try to understand why these Characters are so rigid in their logic and reasoning. Power of Reason Characters may seem one-note and unwavering, but their detachment and problem-solving can be as fascinating as it is horrifying.

The Odd Couple

Based on the play by Neil Simon, The Odd Couple, starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, is one of the most renowned comedies ever made, and with good reason. It’s a classic simple premise- two friends, Felix (Lemmon) and Oscar (Matthau) live together and drive each other mad through their differences- performed to perfection by two actors at the top of their game. The film depicts two vastly opposing Character Types forced together- the result could only ever be a clash of egos.

Felix: Power of Reason

Felix’s perfect, neatly-organized world turns to disarray when he splits up with his wife, driving him to several unsuccessful suicide attempts. This dramatic reaction shows how much of a Power of Reason that Felix is- he cannot comprehend the order of his world being upended.

He is a neurotic, uptight, OCD Power of Reason Character. Then he meets with even more chaos when he moves in with his friend Oscar, the polar opposite to him in every way. Their relationship becomes strained and the tension increases as they both ruin each other’s previously satisfactory situations. For Oscar, it’s a big inconvenience. For Felix, it’s a fundamental alteration to how he perceives things to be.

Felix drove his wife crazy with his obsession to have everything the way he thought it should be. Oscar is like a Bull in a China Shop. He is resistant to all Felix’s attempts to clean and perfect his apartment for him. This reckless slob forces change upon Felix.

Oscar: Power of Excitement

Oscar is a fun-loving, thrill-seeking slob that becomes the bane of Felix’s life because he totally disregards Felix’s logic. He challenges the worldview of a Power of Reason Character simply by being the way he is.

Power of Excitement Characters seek thrills, fun and pleasure. The kind of values that Felix stands for- order and cleanliness- are unnecessary burdens to this way of life. He is far more laidback than Felix. But Oscar becomes increasingly irate by this uptight basket of nerves who wants him to be more responsible.

One of a Power of Excitement Character’s greatest fears is settling down and taking on responsibility. These two need each other, even though they may not want to admit it. One needs to loosen up and learn that they cannot control everything. The other needs to get their act together and start behaving like an adult.

Conflict makes for great drama and great comedy. The Odd Couple pairs up the two Character Types that best represent order and chaos. Forcing them into the same cramped apartment guarantees humour and conflict.

Types Tuesday

This month is Power of Reason month. We’ll be examining a type of Character that know exactly how the world should be. Power of Reason Characters solve problems with a sense of detachment. These Characters are precise, seeing the world as complex puzzles to be solved. When their own personal logic is challenged, they can turn to the dark side as they try to revert any deviation. Nothing distracts them from their singular view of the world- emotion does not factor into their actions.

Throughout March, we will look at Scientists, Serial Killers and Strategists and try to understand why these Characters are so rigid in their logic and reasoning. Power of Reason Characters may seem one-note and unwavering, but their detachment and problem-solving can be as fascinating as it is horrifying.

To start off Power of Reason month, here are some anthems that help define the mindset of this Character Type.

“Ready Or Not” by The Fugees

“Chess” by Rivers Cuomo

This month is Power of Love month, but this week takes a slight detour because of the biggest movie of the year so far- a true cultural phenomenon.  Black Panther features examples of both the light and dark side of Power of Conscience, and it tackles themes of what is right and who gets to decide that issue.

Black Panther

Black Panther tells the story of T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), the recently coronated king of the fictional African nation of Wakanda. Built around the world’s rarest metal, Wakanda is the most technologically advanced nation on earth, and centuries ahead of everyone else in every respect. At its heart, it’s a story led by Power of Conscience character.

Power of Conscience Characters follow their own moral code and expect others to do the right thing. They operate on their own level of justice and think solely about what is right and what is wrong. Most importantly they are compelled to tackle in injustice and correct what they perceive as wrong-doing.

T’Challa’s Moral Dilemma

T’Challa must compromise his moral code to become the leader that his country needs.  He is challenged by a Power of Conscience antagonist that is the seeming opposite of everything he stands for. He learns to become the kind of leader who makes decisions that are for the greater good, despite opposition.

I will try to avoid spoilers for those of you who haven’t seen the movie- Go see it yourself!

Too Good To Be King

“You’re a good man, with a good heart — and it’s hard for a good man to be king.”

One of the central dilemmas that faces King T’Challa in Black Panther is whether he should cooperate with the rest of the world and share with them what Wakanda has to offer. Many in the nation he now leads believe that the world is not ready to interact with Wakanda.

Throughout the film, T’Challa does the right thing no matter the cost. Members of his family and his heads of security disapprove. When he learns of his father’s dark past, and his connection to film’s lead antagonist, Erik Kilmonger (Michael B. Jordan), he sympathizes with Erik and realizes he must lead Wakanda in a different direction to his ancestors.

T’Challa’s journey is going from being an uncertain man who does not feel ready to carry out what he knows the be right, to a King who has conviction in his actions.

Mirror Image

Erik Kilmonger (Michael B. Jordan) represents the dark side of Power of Conscience. Some people have already compared T’Challa and Kilmonger’s approaches to that of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X respectively. He is an outsider to Wakanda, determined to use Wakanda’s resources to benefit others. However, his vision is far more violent than T’Challa’s.

Erik takes it upon himself to take revenge for the injustices that the world has perpetrated on all his African forebearers. He believes that Wakanda has an obligation to help the oppressed outside of the nation. He is willing to shed blood to make sure that they rise up against inequality.

Erik shows how far Power of Conscience Characters will go to do what they believe is right. Although his intentions are noble, T’Challa knows that it will result in a scenario of endless bloodshed where no one truly wins. Erik is so blinded by his moral code that he becomes the kind of villain he wants to destroy.

Doing The Right Thing

Black Panther features both ends of the spectrum for Power of Conscience Characters. The film shows how far people are willing to go for the greater good, as they percieve it.

T’Challa becomes a better man when faced with constant challenges to his authority and beliefs. Erik is so blinded by rage and tragedy that he believes the ends justify the means. He goes too far in his attempt to conquer Wakanda and wage war on the world for past oppression.

Power of Conscience

Power of Conscience Characters provide plenty of opportunity for conflict in drama. They work well in serious or comedic stories. For more examples of Power of Conscience characters, check out my eBook about this Character Type at the ETB store.

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

This month is Power of Love month. Most of the website’s content is dedicated to those who are caregivers and helpmates. These characters believe their devotion earns them the right to constant affections. These Characters will do anything for love, be it for selfless or selfish reasons. Power of Love Characters can be mentors and, romantic or they can be stalkers and clingy, needy nightmares!

We will celebrate the month in which Valentine’s Day falls by examining these characters. I’ll be looking at some of these examples from TV, Film and elsewhere throughout the course of February.

White God

I have absolutely no idea how the Hungarian filmmakers behind White God pulled it off- the film features 200 trained stray dogs from the streets of Budapest. Imagine Planet of the Apes crossed with Homeward Bound – I cannot recommend this movie enough. In amongst this spectacle lies a classic Power of Love story.

It tells the tale of Lili (Zsofia Psotta), a young girl whose only friend is her dog Hagen. When she is forced to stay with her estranged father Daniel (Sandor Zsoter), whose apartment building does not allow pets, her father has no choice but to abandon her dog on the streets.

Lili, in her youthful innocence, believes that loves conquers all and that she can find Hagen again. Both Hagen and Lili go through hell in their attempts to be reunited. Neglected Hagen becomes a violent, vengeful canine who seeks revenge on those who have abused him along his quest, and leads an uprising of Dogs upon the city of Budapest.

Throughout the film, Lili believes in love. She believes she can win over her father, and change Hagen’s ways. Power of Love Characters have this incredible conviction which make them excellent parents, mentors and caregivers. Lili’s faith demonstrates Power of Love at its best. Hers is a selfless love, and unlike Hagen she maintains this love of another without fail right to the film’s incredible finale.

For more examples of Power of Love characters, check out my eBook about this Character Type at the ETB store.