This week: Which Witch Edited by: Dawn Embers More Newsletters By This Editor
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Fantasy Newsletter by Dawn
A question of character, in particular one who does magic and might be referred to as a witch |
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Over in LA, we get a number of sights on the daily commute including a fair number of advertisements (such as the billboard for the new grinch movie I see every morning as I drive to work). Of the shows that I've seen displayed lately, two in particular had similar character types and caught my attention: Charmed and Sabrina. Both are CW versions of shows that were done in the past and they both involve main characters who happen to be witches.
The witch has a number of different roles in fantasy stories and not just ones found in October. Of course, there are the antagonists, villains and general evil ones. These witches lure children to their houses of candy, turn people in to hens or mice, try to gain youth from others and return from their grave if a virgin lights the black flame candle. They can definitely reek some havoc and cause plenty of conflict for the others to endure, with the added bonus of fun theatrics depending on what they can do with their magic.
They can also be a secondary character, one whom can either help or hinder the protagonist. These can be temporary moments, smaller times of conflict or even as prominent as a side-kick. There are many different roles a magic character can play within a story and the witch is one of a few in particular that can fit the different roles well.
Then there is the hero, aka the protagonist. Plenty of stories involve a character finding out they can do magic or are based on characters who have known all along their abilities. Like in Charmed or Bewitched, the main characters are ones who might be called a "witch". Where they are in the knowledge of magic, what they can do and how the world views them all depend on the story and world we create.
One thing to also consider, as a side note, is the fact that a witch doesn't necessarily have to be a female character. It depends on how you develop the world and the choice of vocabulary. Sure, there are other options for magic wielders. Wizard is the one used in Harry Potter and that one is used at times for any gender, though in other stories it is a more male dominant title. Warlock has been used in particular for males who are antagonistic in their magic and role within stories while witch is seen far more often for females on both sides of the here/villain dichotomy. However, one can pick a role for their characters as they see fit for their story. I am writing a story that has a male witch, not warlock, not wizard, he is a witch. In other stories, the roles and titles are different. That's part of the fun of fantasy. What will you do with a witch character? Let us know. Stir the cauldron, cast a spell and, of course, write!
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What kind of witch would you put in a story? Are they the protagonist or antagonist?
Last month, my fantasy newsletter discussed immunization and disease in relation to fantasy stories. Here are a couple of comments sent in over the topic:
Comment by Quick-Quill
Had my first flu shot. It was itchy for almost a week. I didn't get sick.
- Interesting. The last vaccine I received, my arm didn't feel sore but I was more aware of the muscle for a few days. Haven't had anyone mention itchiness from the flu one thus far. Most don't get sick that weren't already sick beforehand since we don't really do live vaccines anymore for a majority of immunizations..
Comment by It's the Great Pumakin!
You are quite correct that author do not often include disease or illness in their stories. It is a shame that they do not. A medical condition or disease can add conflict.
The same can be said about medicine and vaccines. If a person misses their medication or doesn't receive a required vaccine, what will happen? Immediate stress of which stories are made.
Jim
- Good point in how they can add conflict and it's also an element of world building that one might really want to consider. Also, the result and choice in immunization can be a part of character development too. So many options available when considering the topic of health even in fantasy and sci-fi.
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