Workshop: Discover
Words That Sing
“I hope the audience
will feel the possibility of magic—if not real magic, then the metaphor of
magic—touching their lives, and making them better for it.” Scott Glenn
In our writing, as well as on the roads we literally travel
on, we continually need to read directions to understand where we are, to make
sure we haven’t gotten lost. What does that sign say? Danger ahead,
construction work in progress, slow down, curve ahead, slippery, speed limit.
The story becomes as much a part of the journey as the destination.
There are many maps to explore: mythic, cultural,
psychological, spiritual, emotional, and personal. All have the potential to
deepen our appreciation of the story we’re in. Our emotions engage in resonance
as we hold our breath at the villain, sigh in relief at escape, and cry with
happiness at reconciliation. Our hearts watch for the clues.
In the movie, The
Seventh Stream, we can also track the moral direction of the characters through
their actions. Dunhill is an embittered young man who controls Mairead, the
selkie. Greed is Dunhill’s heart’s desire.
Our first glimpse is his attempt to kill a seal. But he
stops as he looks into her eyes. Why? Belated compassion? No, instead he has a
glimmer of a greater bounty. Unlike Quinn, Dunhill does believe the legends and
so he captures the skin of this selkie, forcing her under his power.
He is desperate for a life of ease, for the respect of the
villagers and for riches. Greed leads to murder. First he kills her spirit by
imprisoning her. Then later he threatens to kill his own father. His choices
and decisions are plotted according to his heart’s desires as clearly as a
roadmap.
Action Steps:
1. Choose one of the “seven deadly
sins” and write out a trajectory for its satisfaction, from the smallest
impulse to final completion.
2. Apply those steps to your
antagonist’s career arc.
Share: What sin did you choose? Why and how does it apply?
Read deep, marcy
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