“Evil has within
itself the seeds of its own destruction.”
Rolland Hein (in reference to the Lord of the Rings by
J.R.R. Tolkien)
Often when we have major decisions to make we take time to
reflect and remember previous successes and failures to guide us. We use
experience, seek counsel and estimate consequences as best as possible.
However, sometimes what our heart most desires will tilt that process towards
one side or another. Jesus reminds us that, “where
your treasure is, there will you heart be also.”
The same possibilities apply to our characters. In the
novel, The Crystal Scepter, Pythius
wanted power and authority beyond all measure. While still a youth, he murdered
his own father to obtain the crown rather than wait until he was older. Every
time someone placed a warning or an admonition before him, they suffered
deathly consequences. The only thing that caused him anxiety was the reality of
death.
“What he needed was a
magical amulet or something that would ensure a long life, some charm that
would insulate him from attack and make him invincible. If only such an object
existed! What he would pay for that!
Why, he’d sell his very soul if he could live without fear of death.
Without always having to watch his back, suspicion hounding his every waking moment.”
And so he planted his own seeds of destruction. Every time
he had an opportunity to hear the truth, or to change his direction he
remembered his heart’s desire and chose it again and again. The warnings as
well were given over and over. He resisted even as poison and decay coursed
through him. He believed he had ultimate power and wealth and therefore no one
could refuse him. Not even the prophecy.
“The created fantasy
world must have its own immutable laws. Once those laws have been established,
they cannot be set aside at the author’s whim for the demands of plot.”
Jane Yolen
“Choose for yourselves
today whom you will serve:” Joshua 24:15
Journal Prompt:
Choose
one of the seven deadly sins, (lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and
pride), for your antagonist and plot out a series of opportunities before him
to relinquish his choice for evil.
Or
According to Wikipedia, “Sloth has also been defined as a
failure to do things that one should do. By this definition, evil exists when
good men fail to act.” List a series of incidents for one of your ‘good’ characters where
they continually failed to act.
Share: Which
consequence in your sequence do you think became the step of no return for him
specifically? Why? What evil for that character resulted?
