Mastering the Role of Time in Character Development

The timeline is one of the most crucial aspects of story-telling that is often ignored in the humdrum and enthusiasm of telling the story. Although a minute feature in storytelling, when it comes to short stories and novellas, it’s of utmost importance to establish time.

Time gives a benchmark for the genre and consistency of the story and is an intricate dance between the past, present, and future. It not only establishes the growth or demise of the characters and the people around him but also provides change to scenes, besides adding drama and tension to the story. It also establishes location, music, costumes, sets and language. Think of the Victorian era, where they spoke English differently, making it a completely different language.

Understanding the relevance of time in crafting a narrative is crucial for effective character development. One of the most difficult parts of writing was when I completed the rough draft and realized I had not drafted the timeline. When the book is happening, and to great accuracy, how the story moved through time. Because it does have an influence on the character, even if its as small as turning 60 from 25 years old and the hair greying. Time matters, and no matter the philosophy that people throw at us, time changes us and our environment.

For Pansters, like me, who just go with the flow, I know one thing for sure: the next time, I will keep in mind the timeline. One of my novels is so messed up that it had to be rewritten entirely. Timeline, I know for sure, provides structure and form; it guides not just the characters but also the writer. I learned it the hard way, and so I want to share some of my findings. If there is something, you’d like to add, please leave it in the comments so it will help me too.

1. Temporal Context: Time adds experience to developing the character arc. A weathered table in a small town hotel, visited by youngsters carving their names and thoughts on it, has a story to tell. Time provides context for the characters’ experiences, influencing their perceptions, decisions, and actions. By anchoring your story within a specific time frame, whether it be a day, a year, or a lifetime, you offer readers a lens through which to understand the characters’ motivations and development.
2. Character Arcs: A well-crafted timeline allows for the gradual evolution of characters over time. From their introduction to the resolution of their arcs, each moment contributes to their journey, revealing layers of complexity and depth. Whether it’s overcoming obstacles, facing moral dilemmas, or experiencing personal growth, the passage of time is essential for characters to undergo meaningful change.
3. Emotional Resonance: Time also plays a crucial role in evoking emotional resonance within readers. By skillfully pacing the narrative and strategically deploying flashbacks or foreshadowing, writers can elicit a range of emotions—from nostalgia and anticipation to suspense and catharsis. The careful manipulation of time heightens the emotional impact of key moments, fostering a deeper connection between readers and characters.

Tools for Organizing the Perfect Timeline: Crafting a coherent and compelling timeline requires planning and organization. Even for a Panster like me, it works wonderfully to know the timeline, it gives me a secure space to know where the story is going and write freehand. Here are some tools and techniques to help you structure your story’s temporal framework:

1. Storyboarding: Begin by sketching out the main events of your story on a timeline, using index cards or digital tools. This visual representation allows you to visualize the sequence of events and identify any gaps or inconsistencies in the narrative flow. If not a visual representation, at least jot down the main events of the characters arc.
2. Chronology vs. Non-linear Narratives: I usually try to draw a linear narrative and then create a flashback and jump with it, allowing those incidents to appear during crucial times for the character, revealing their motivations. Decide whether your story will follow a linear chronology or employ non-linear techniques such as flashbacks, time jumps, or parallel timelines. Experiment with different narrative structures to determine which best serves your story and enhances character development.
3. Character Timelines: Create individual timelines for each major character, charting their personal milestones, experiences, and growth trajectories. This exercise not only helps maintain consistency but also provides valuable insights into each character’s journey.
4. Foreshadowing and Callbacks: Integrate foreshadowing and callbacks throughout your narrative to establish thematic coherence and reinforce character development. By planting seeds early on and revisiting them later, you create a sense of continuity and resonance that enriches the reader’s experience.
5. Revision and refinement: Continuously revisit and revise your timeline as you write, remaining flexible to accommodate new ideas or developments. Pay attention to pacing, ensuring that the passage of time feels organic and serves the overall narrative arc.

I hope this helps anyone who is having trouble writing their characters storyline, aka timeline. Frankly, I have it on my pin board now. Write down the time line. And frankly, I have seen that I write much faster now, because I know where it is going.

© 2024 Puja Goyal