Today as we continue our conversation about Character Change, we’re going to look at that moment, right after their first attempt and failure, where the hero has to consider what it will cost him to change. 

Ever been on a diet over Christmas season?  I have a Russian friend who is a pilot, and his annual exam arrives RIGHT after New Year’s Eve.  He gets h is blood drawn, and his cholesterol checked…it’s a bummer, because in order to keep his pilot’s license, he has to pass a certain level.

 Which means he has to diet over Christmas. 

 Not entirely, but he has to stay away from the rich foods, and of course wine (which is big in Russian during New Year ’s Eve!).  He stands at the pinnacle of the season, smells the holiday feast, and I know he laments his life.  (Or at least the timing of his exam.)

 But in order to be a pilot, he has to surrender something. 

 So does your character.  Right after they fail their first attempt, they’ll have to regroup, and take a good look at their weaknesses and vacancies, and realize the truth….if they want victory, they can’t stay the way they are. 

 Another way to put it:  Anything worth fighting for is going to cost something.

 Some “considering the cost” moments from my favorite movies: 

 When Frodo takes off across the boat at the end of LOTR 1, and Samwise nearly dies going after him.  He realizes that his quest WILL cost lives, and that he has to be brave enough to let that happen.

 Princess Bride:  Right after they get through the fire swamp, and evil king Humperdink finds them.  Buttercup negotiates Wesley’s release…but surrenders herself to be married to the king, believing that her man will get killed if she doesn’t. (she later learns that she must believe that death will not stop true love!)

 How about You’ve Got Mail – I recently saw that again.  Remember the scene where Meg and Tom are going to meet in the coffee shop for the first time – but Tom sees her and realizes that ShopGirl is his nemesis!  He’ll have to regroup and win her heart online before he can reveal himself. He sacrifices the opportunity in the hopes that something better will transpire.

 Give your hero a moment to consider what character change will cost him – and have him fear it.  Only then will the sacrifice be truly heart-wrenching.  (and the reward be that much more valuable.  We’ll talk about that balance – cost vs. reward tomorrow!)

 So – here’s a question – what is it going to cost YOU to finish your book this year?  

 Also – CJ Darlington has this cool series over at her site featuring novelists giving advice.  Check out: Advice for Novelists – by Susan May Warren