Writer’s Shop Talk: Exploring Character Evolution Through Letters in My Novella and Novel

Describe a letter written by your protagonist. Does he use email or a quill? What is distinctive about his writing style? What comes through in his written words that might not show when he speaks? How does he sign off?

Example 1: The Letter from Reunion: A Story, written by Jim Garraty, 18, on June 15, 1983:

Wednesday, June 15, 1983

My dearest Martina,

I’m not sure if I am doing the right thing by telling you this now, or if I should tell you this at all. I wish I had the answers. 

I can’t believe our three years at SMSH have come to an end. It seems as though only yesterday we were sophomores starting our high school years. I can close my eyes and see you exactly as you were that moment when you stepped into Mrs. Quincy’s third Period class – you looked so cute and sweet. Since that day in 1981 I have come to know you pretty well. You are not only a beautiful young woman, but you’re also kind, thoughtful and intelligent.

I know I have picked an awful time to tell you this, Marty, but I have been in love with you for a long time. Perhaps not in the beginning, for 3 years ago I was having a hard time coping with the end of a two-year relationship with someone who, unfortunately, was unfaithful. I was hurt and terribly insecure. In some ways I still am hurt and insecure. That having been said, however, the truth is that somewhere along the line, I fell in love with you.

I didn’t tell you before for various reasons. First, I suppose, is the fact that in 10th grade you were seeing someone else, and you seemed to be happy back then. I never expected that you and Kenny would go your separate ways, but then I thought my own relationship with my ex-girlfriend would last forever, too.

Life, I have learned, is full of surprises.

Martina, I’ve loved you not just because you are one of the prettiest women I’ve known. Your looks are, of course, part of what attracts me to you. But you are the one of the most generous and sweetest souls that I have met in my 18 years, and you are the one person who has the ability to brighten up a sour day. You have always managed to make me return a smile to someone else.

As I write this, I can hear the clock ticking. There isn’t much time left to our last day of high school. I wish I had enough time to tell you how I feel about you, but I haven’t the courage, the words, the space or the time to fully express my feelings. I looked at my watch just now – 1:39 p.m. to be precise. I wish for so many things, Marty. I hope you understand what I’m trying to tell you. I love you, my dear Marty, and I always will.

With all my love and affection,

Jim

Example 2: An email from Jim to Maddie as written in March 2000 in Reunion: Coda:

Subject: Re: Re: New Topic – Your Big Day (and Other Matters)

Dear Maddie,

Hi, sweetheart. I just got up; I managed to get four and a half hours’ worth of sleep. I know, I know…I could have – should have – gotten at least six hours of shuteye, but I’ll take what I did get. I guess I’m much too wound up today, what with the start of another workweek – I have to hand out a quiz to my “Introduction to the Second World War” classes, for one, and then there’s going to be a Faculty Senate meeting this afternoon – and all that “Professor Stuff” I do at the Uni. Plus, I’m both excited about the start of your recording sessions – which I assume are now underway, since it’s just past six AM here and 11 AM there – and a bit glum because I’m not in London to cheer you on. C’est la vie, I guess, but know this, my dearest Madison: I am sending you all the positive thoughts I can think, and I know that the album that results from this enterprise will be a smashing success.

Well, darling, I need to wander off to the kitchen and rustle up some breakfast before heading off to work. I’m a zombie at this hour in the morning – until I have at least one cup of coffee, anyway.

I look forward to reading how your day went, Maddie. In the meantime, know this: I never expected to fall in love with anyone after my divorce from Carrie, but sometimes life has a way of overthrowing our expectations. So, believe me when I say that I love you, dearest.

And now, I’m really off to make some coffee. Tickle those ivories, kiddo!

Love,

Jim

JimWWII99@yahoo.com

Sent: Monday, March 6, 2000, 6:18 AM EST

 Jim’s Evolution:

1. Tone and Confidence:

   – 1983 Jim (Letter to Martina):

     – Tone: Reflective and somewhat uncertain. Young Jim grapples with his feelings and the vulnerability of unrequited love.

     – Confidence: Lacks self-assuredness; he’s hesitant and unsure about whether he should reveal his emotions. His writing is tentative, filled with introspective musings and a sense of missed opportunities.

   – 2000 Jim (Email to Maddie):

     – Tone: Conversational and relaxed. Mature Jim is comfortable expressing his emotions and blends his personal and professional life seamlessly.

     – Confidence: Confident and self-assured. He’s able to balance affection with everyday anecdotes, demonstrating a sense of security in his relationship with Maddie.

2. Emotional Expression:

   – 1983 Jim:

     – Expression: Deeply emotional and introspective. Jim’s love for Martina is mixed with nostalgia and a sense of urgency, emphasizing the depth of his feelings and the regret of unspoken words.

     – Hesitation: The letter reflects on the past and uncertainties about the future, highlighting his emotional turmoil.

   – 2000 Jim:

     – Expression: Warm and supportive. Jim’s love for Maddie is expressed with ease and assurance, showcasing his emotional maturity and stability.

     – Encouragement: The email is filled with encouragement and optimism for Maddie’s recording sessions, reflecting his confidence in her success and his supportive nature.

3. Life Context:

   – 1983 Jim:

     – Context: High school setting. Jim is a young man dealing with the complexities of teenage love and heartbreak. His letter is rooted in past experiences and the end of an era (high school).

• 2000 Jim:
• Context: Professional and personal life. Jim is now a university professor, balancing work responsibilities with his relationships. His email reflects the integration of his professional life and his role as a supportive partner.

Jim’s Writing Style:

• 1983 Jim: Writes longhand, using reflective and poetic language. A deep sense of nostalgia and emotional depth characterizes his writing. He signs off with “With all my love and affection,” showcasing his heartfelt emotions.
• 2000 Jim: Uses email, with a conversational and modern tone. His writing is characterized by humor, casualness, and a blend of personal anecdotes with affectionate encouragement. He signs off with “Love, Jim,” reflecting his mature and confident emotional state.

Conclusion:

Over the years, Jim has evolved from a young, uncertain individual grappling with unspoken emotions to a mature, confident man who can express his love and support with ease. His evolution is marked by increased self-assuredness, emotional maturity, and the ability to balance personal and professional aspects of his life. His writing reflects these changes, transitioning from reflective and introspective letters to conversational and supportive emails.

This evolution not only adds depth to Jim’s character but also enriches the narrative of both your novella and novel.

Analysis provided by Copilot.