The hottest Characterization Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Screw You Guys, I Root For Muad'Dib

Freddie deBoer • 8442 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Critique Fandom Characterization
  1. In the Dune universe, the writer roots for Paul Atreides despite knowing it won't end well
  2. The Dune 2 movie is praised for being a meticulously crafted, popular film with excellent cast and stunning visuals
  3. Despite the warnings about not rooting for Paul due to the themes of the story, the writer still finds him and his rebel army cool and follows Muad'Dib passionately

Rage Won't Raise the Dead

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
📚 Literature Epic Analysis Characterization Themes Mythology
  1. The funeral games in the Iliad are not filler but are deeply tied to themes like honor and institutional order, reflecting ancient audiences' experiences and myths.
  2. The speech of Patroklos to Achilles acts as a powerful moment highlighting the theme of rage and its consequences in the epic, urging Achilles to think about their past and relationship.
  3. The blended narrative of Achilles and Patroklos in death emphasizes themes of surrogacy and eternal connection, inviting reflection on the power of loss, grief, and love in shaping individual actions and the world.

Always Second Best (Or Worst)

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📚 Literature Classics Analysis Characterization Mythology Epic poetry
  1. Book 17 of the Iliad focuses on the characterization of Hektor, revealing his shortcomings as a warrior despite his reputation.
  2. The primary Trojan fighters like Hektor, Aeneas, and Sarpedon in the Iliad do not always live up to expectations on the battlefield, showcasing the complexities of warfare and heroism.
  3. Hektor's actions and interactions in book 17 highlight the themes of divine intervention, personal agency, and the inevitability of failure in the epic narrative.

The Beginning of His Trouble

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
📚 Literature Analysis Characterization Plot Narrative Techniques
  1. Book 11 of the Iliad is critical to the plot as it leads to a turning point in the Trojan War, with notable Greeks getting wounded.
  2. Achilles' interest in the battle showcases his complex character, sparking discussions among ancient scholars about his motivations.
  3. Ancient scholars note that Achilles sends Patroklos to investigate a wounded man, setting the stage for future events and highlighting the limits of human knowledge.
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Homeric Redshirts and Iliad 10

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
📚 Literature Analysis Characterization Composition Tradition Themes
  1. The introduction of Dolon in Iliad 10 serves as a strategic element to provide rest and anticipation in the epic, suggesting it is integral to the overall theme and composition.
  2. Dolon's character in Iliad 10 is complex, with his appearance, relationship to wealth, and status as a single son with five sisters all playing significant roles in understanding his role in the story.
  3. Ancient scholars drew connections between Dolon's traits, such as his greed and appearance, to deeper themes like heroism in response to the actions of characters like Achilles, offering insights into how characters are developed in Homeric poetry.

Writing visually

The Leftovers • 79 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
📚 Literature Writing Dialogue Characterization
  1. Authors often neglect writing realistic dialogues in their works, resulting in weaker characters and plots.
  2. Using dialogues as a plot-building device is crucial for creating visually engaging writing, as demonstrated by filmmakers like Robert Bresson.
  3. Observing real-life dialogues and incorporating them into writing, even if with artistic deterritorialization, can enhance the clarity and strength of the narrative.

Backing Up the Future

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
📚 Literature Characterization Rivalry Themes Mythology Epic poetry
  1. Book 4 of the Iliad focuses on politics, the gods' influence on humans, and how the narrative aligns with or deviates from traditional stories.
  2. Zeus plays a crucial role in orchestrating the plot and delineating the balance between divine will and mortal actions in the epic.
  3. Agamemnon's actions in book 4, particularly the 'epipolesis,' provide insights into leadership, hero characterization, and how the Iliad incorporates elements from other tales to establish its narrative prominence.

Measuring distortion

Only Wonder Knows • 58 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🔬 Science Characterization Measurement
  1. When working with non-linear systems, be cautious and pay attention to distortion.
  2. Measuring distortion in systems may require using techniques like injecting two tones.
  3. Characterizing distortion involves understanding how system limitations affect harmonic levels.

The character as a composite entity

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
📚 Literature Characterization Writing Fiction
  1. Characters in fiction are often a blend of real people and made-up elements, drawing inspiration from the world around us.
  2. When writing characters, it's crucial to visualize them, give them a distinct personality, and make them believable to yourself as the author.
  3. Even when creating fantastical characters in alien worlds, there should be some connection to reality to make them relatable and engaging.