Desperation

There are lots of ways for a character to drop into desperation, such as when a loved one is in peril or financial chaos burns through. Being in desperation makes someone unsure, reckless, willing to take greater risks than any other time, and also creates a sort of spontaneous frenzy all around. Desperation makes us crazy.

Now, using that desperation is another challenge. Villains are wonderful when they are in these situations, because they can cut loose and throw everything at the hero without worry or care. Heroes, on the other hand, sometimes stop being heroic and do bad things, or maybe become cowards. Of course, emotions like this don't have to be stereotypical. What this does is allow the author the leeway to run crazy with the plot and place events that wouldn't normally happen. It's a lot of fun to do that, and see how the characters will react.

Naturally, these are my views and I'm sure there are lots of other ones on this subject. However desperation is handled, I believe it works powerfully in stories. Especially stories where the characters are deep and sympathetic (even if you don't like them). When the audience gets involved at a sincere level, then the story grows beyond itself. It's a tremendous experience for both sides. Well worth the effort.

- M