So I'm sitting on the couch folding laundry while my children are watching Spongebob (I know, not exactly educational programming, but hey, it makes me laugh). It was the episode where Spongebob and Squidward are competing for employee of the month. Towards the end of the episode as the two are doing crazier and crazier things to try to get Mr. Krabs attention, Squidward starts frying up Krabby Patties. My eight year old daughter, who is sitting next to me mutters under her breath, "I thought Squidward couldn't make Krabby Patties."
There are two lessons I learned from her indignation. One, my kids watch way too much Spongebob. And, two, your characters have to stay true to themselves no matter what situation you put them in. If you've already established that your character cannot do something, you can't have them doing it in another chapter/scene/book just to prove a point. Especially if you write for children or middle grade. Kids are smart and not as willing to overlook character breaches as adults are. My daughter helped reiterate a lesson I've heard a lot in writing-- My characters must always stay in character. Even if they're growing and changing, characters should each have a way they would handle change and growth. Now, Squidward, get behind the register and don't touch the grill unless you take a class that you will grumble your way through. :)
Excellent point, Kasie! I wish I were as sharp as a kid because I have this nagging feeling I've written something out of character for my Renee, but I can't put my finger on it. Hopefully, you'll catch it for Peeps group ... since you're sort of a kid. :-)
ReplyDeleteGood eye, little daughter!
ReplyDeleteOh, the wisdom of Spongebob!
ReplyDeleteGreat lessons can be learned at the Krusty Krab.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I love the title to this post. :) AS much as I don't want to admit it, I find Spongebob pretty amusing. Squidward is my favorite character. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a good point. *shakes finger at Squidward*
ReplyDeleteYeah, but Squidward would do ANYTHING to keep Spongebob from winning.
ReplyDeleteThen there was the episode where Spongebob and Patrick were Squidward for a day, remember that one?
Oh, my favorite one was ... What? Why is everbody starring at me? Oh, come on ... you don't really think ... Okay I confess! It's my favorite show. Gosh.
I watch way too much Spongebob too, but it's in 5 min. segments at work. In fact, some lady was in a sour mood the other day, so I called her a Krabby Pattie. I thought I was pretty funny!
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