Exploring Character Journeys: Meda's Travel Dreams
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Chapter 1: Engaging with Your Character
To truly grasp the essence of your characters—those intangible beings brought to life through words—one effective method is to engage in fictional conversations with them. By posing questions and imagining their responses, you can delve deeper into their psyche. For instance, I recently asked Meda: If you had infinite resources and time to embark on a global journey, which three or four destinations would you prioritize, and what draws you to those places?
Let’s explore Meda's travel ambitions and the reasons behind them.
Meda expressed a desire to visit Egypt, captivated by the Sphinx of Giza and the mysteries held by ancient Egyptian priests. She noted that Dacian priests once communicated with the divine and traveled as far as Egypt to gain knowledge. Their journeys back home were filled with tales about the majestic temples dedicated to Egyptian deities and the intricate rituals surrounding death and the afterlife. Meda yearns to immerse herself in this rich culture, seeking to understand their prophecies and the celestial signs they revered.
Chapter 2: The Allure of Ancient Greece
Meda also dreams of traveling to Greece to witness the grandeur of the temple and statue of Zeus in Olympia. This monumental site was erected by the Greeks as a gesture of gratitude for their military triumphs. According to historical accounts, the renowned sculptor Phidias crafted Zeus’s statue using ivory and fine woods, adorning it with gold. After its completion, the statue was disassembled for transport and reassembled within the temple’s sanctuary.
Meda imagines standing before Zeus, who is said to watch over his worshippers, and she longs to return his gaze.
Section 2.1: The Enigma of Stonehenge
Meda's travels would not be complete without a pilgrimage to the sacred site of Stonehenge in the heart of Celtic lands. In her dreams, she encounters an ancient Thracian ancestor, witnessing him alongside Celts within a circle of towering stone pillars. Meda senses that a significant legacy was left behind there, a piece of history that connects her to her Dacian roots.
Section 2.2: The Intellectual Pursuits of Rome
Meda also expresses a strong desire to visit Rome, aiming to explore the Ulpia library and enroll in one of the esteemed academies. She dreams of attending sessions in the Roman Senate, absorbing knowledge as both a student and an observer. She believes that understanding her adversaries during peaceful times offers invaluable insights into their society.
Explore ten essential questions to ask your main character to deepen your understanding of their motivations and desires.
Continue your journey with ten more thought-provoking questions for your main character, expanding on their backstory and aspirations.
As I reflect on Meda's responses, I realize that her insights are, in many ways, a reflection of my own thoughts and experiences as a writer. It's a reminder that our characters often embody fragments of ourselves.
Thank you for joining me on this exploration of Meda’s travels!
With warm regards, M