Letting a character escape their destiny

[Yarglenurp]

An interesting writing decision that has come up is that a character I've assigned for a specific role really doesn't fit the "destiny" I originally set out for them. I have a bull who was originally supposed to be a bit of an enormous asshole, but I've basically made him too nice... he started off nice and just got nicer. Now, instead of making him a "villain," I like the guy and am tempted to write a spin-off series for him. As I move the plot forward, forcing him back into that role feels like I'd be railroading his personality and growth.

So, anyone face this before? As far as I can tell, I've got three choices:

1) force the character back on their predestined path, which makes the story feel lazy

2) rewrite my overall arc to go in a new direction, which feels like a lot of work

3) fleshing out a new character to replace my old character, which also feels like a lot of work.

 

[Bamagan]

I dunno, if he's making a lot of headaches and extra work for you, maybe he is as big an asshole as you originally envisioned.

 

[AlinaX]

You need another character to come along and try to encourage him to fulfil his destiny, and that can lead to a lot of discussion.

 

[KeithD]

I've had that happen. I've given the characters rein to do as they please and then the fun part of the writing is respinning so it all works out that way.

 

[intim8]

3) fleshing out a new character to replace my old character, which also feels like a lot of work.

This is the one that crossed my mind. Maybe leave the nice guy in as a foil or counterpoint. It at least doesn't change the nature of the story.

Sounds like you have a choice between lazy/contrived and a lot of work. How much do you want this story to be really good?

 

[Kumquatqueen]

Could you go back in time to when he was more of an arsehole and show him mellowing?

 

[StillStunned]

He stubs his toe, and in his pain and surprise he lashes out. Even though he feels bad about it, misunderstanding follows misunderstanding and before you know it he's coming across as an arsehole, even if he isn't.

 

[Bramblethorn]

rewrite my overall arc to go in a new direction, which feels like a lot of work

But does it feel like it'd be rewarding work?

Life is complicated and messy. Allowing a bit of that chaos to intrude on a story can make work, but it can also make for a memorable story. Give me a character who surprises their own author over Standard-Issue Bull #37A from Central Casting any day.

 

[AchtungNight]

Someone comes along and turns him into an asshole somehow. He used to be nice until that point.

Or maybe he’s misunderstood. Maybe he’s an asshole by nasty rumor only. Some bigger asshole spread that rumor to hurt him or maybe get some sort of elaborate revenge for their own disappointment to which he contributed. They genuinely deserved it, or maybe they didn’t, and someone is selfish enough to misconstrue the situation.

 

[Rob_Royale]

Yes, in my Aunt Tina series she was supposed to sexually enslave her young nephew and use him to provide a constant supply of young men for her. A true hypersexual slut.

Instead, they started to fall for each other. I was editing the first story, when I realized I'd gone quite off the rails but ended it with a way to get back on. I decided to let the readers decide and they did, in a big way.

I had to write a different story, to get the original dynamic I was going for and I'm pleased with them both.

Aunt Tina, Recovering Slut Vol. 1
Evelyn Ensnared

Don't be afraid to let the characters evolve. I think it's the sign of a very healthy imagination and a good writer.