IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME

I've been watching this new show on MTV called IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME.

I really like it. Sometimes it makes me tear up.

Basically, the show is about CHALLENGE DAY. One day in a high school where clique barriers are torn down. One part of this day is where the students get into small groups and start by saying IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME...and then reveal something that people may not know about them. Something that makes them real. Something that makes them more than a cardboard, stereotyped cut-out.

For example, for Mel, my MC for Moon Dog (that was a lot of M's...), here is what she might reveal on such a day:

IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME...you would know that I am terrified of the water.
IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME...you would know that I am angry at my father.
IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME...you would know that I feel trapped in this small town but I am afraid to leave because it's all I've ever known.
IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME...you would know that I secretly envy my free-spirited mother.
IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME...you would know I feel like a freak.
IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME...you would know that everyday I fear for my life.
IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME...you would know that I feel like I need to protect everyone around me.
IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME...you would know I'm tougher than I look. Because I have to be.
IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME...you would know I feel like I let my parents down just by being what I am.

I could keep going!

Try it out for your characters. I think it's a great exercise. Personally, I like it better than a character sheet. These are the things that I try to SHOW about Mel. She never comes out and says any of the above. Not directly anyway or without some pushing from another character. These are the things she keeps hidden. The things that make her who she is. Her issues. Things she needs to overcome at the end of the story. Things she might need to come to terms with.

I think I'm going to use this for every story I write now. I've always kind of struggled with character development/voice/character arc. I think this might help me! I really like it. And, if you get the chance, watch the show. It's pretty good stuff!

HAPPY THURSDAY! =)