tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13294573.post5239393594204144959..comments2024-03-29T04:56:23.027-04:00Comments on Cockeyed Caravan: How To Create a Compelling Character, Step 2: Contrast Their Outer and Inner LivesMatt Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07319984238456281734noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13294573.post-61098860341495332532015-05-31T19:53:38.291-04:002015-05-31T19:53:38.291-04:00It's not that Rambo doesn't have a conflic...It's not that Rambo doesn't have a conflict - it's that the conflict is cliched and uninteresting.<br /><br />The killing machine that just wants peace? Meh.<br /><br />Similarly, the hooker with the heart of gold, or the vampire who really doesn't want to kill people, are among the least-interesting contradictions you can come up with at this late date.<br /><br />This applies to Bond as well. HE can get away with it because he's the archetype, but you have to go a little bit further if you're trying to come up with a NEW playboy master spy (see: Kingsman)Jeremyhttp://redgreenandblue.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13294573.post-64289901345859272152012-11-13T13:06:05.480-05:002012-11-13T13:06:05.480-05:00If I may be so bold, I think you may be mistaken o...If I may be so bold, I think you may be mistaken on one point. Otherwise I found everything you said to be well thought out and true. <br /><br />Rambo IS conflicted. He's a 'killing-machine' that hates to kill and is in denial that he secretly enjoys it because he's so good at it (at least until the last movie). To illustrate the point, in both First Blood & First Blood Part II he waits to do anything about being captured and tortured until he sees no other option KNOWING full well he could leave if he wanted to.<br /><br />The contrast here is, he doesn't want to hurt people and yet is forever drawn to conflict. Because he has some lingering morality, he wishes to have quiet isolation and yet is attracted to violence. He's not really at peace with who he is which is what makes him interesting as a character.<br /><br />On the other hand, James Bond never comes off conflicted, even if he is, he will simply and coldly execute people. James Bond by comparison is much more dogmatically straight forward a character. In his mind is his mission and all other priorities take a backseat. He'll do whatever it takes, good or bad.<br /><br />Great article!<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com