Tension, Conflict, Motivation, and Plot: Why the Story is About Dean and We Do Know Sam

[bowtrunckle]

I wrote a meta thingy! :)

There’s been avid discussion about Sam and Dean and which of them, if either, seems to be favored by Kripke as well as debate about “who is the story really about”. I’ve noticed there’s been a propensity for some self-proclaimed “Dean girls” and “Sam girls” to run circles around each other, trying to prove their points.

Comments

[bowtrunckle]

As this is the reactionary character, the one that doesn`t drive the plot forward, only to distract from it or stall it.

Weird. This is exactly what yourlibrarian and I talked about in a parallel thread in this post. She referred me to a meta she wrote that sparked this comment from me (which perhaps is the same point you're making ... dare I say we could be the same wavelength? *wink*):

"You also mention something I didn't touch on here: the reactionary character being largely the motivation tiger. The character bound to the plot is reactionary in the sense they're stuck reacting to external circumstances (the plot), but there needs to be an element of choice, otherwise the story seems fated and loses it's tension (and this is an American story, not European, where free will is practically a requirement). So while the plot tiger is confined to the story and must appear to have choices (drive the boat so to speak), the motivation tiger --whose central drive is usually another character--is stuck being reactionary without the illusion of choice. Unless they change who they are or the power dynamic changes, they're "fated" to react to the other character/characters they're bound to because that's ingrained in their role."

there seem to be too requisites: that be a person whom Sam loves and who loves Sam (to stay). Which could very easily be done by a love interest if they were inclined to write it so.

I love Sera Gamble's quote about SPN being "the epic love story of Sam and Dean." No wonder this fandom is so slashy. Heh.

They could of course introduce a new companion for Sam which in essence would still allow it to be a story about a relationship, not the Sam-Dean-story but stillI don`t believe the show as a whole would survive the transitional-stage ratings-wise

This would undoubtedly be Show suicide. I get a bad feeling just thinking about it. *closes eyes and shakes head*

Thanks for listening to my ramblings, sorry to chew off your ear. :D

I got a gold start for rambling listening in Grade 2. Also, I enjoy getting my ears chewed off. That's why I have a supply of Halloween wax ears in my desk drawer. ;) Seriously, it's my pleasure. I always enjoy talking about The Show and meeting new fandom people to share The Show love with.

[astri13]

So while the plot tiger is confined to the story and must appear to have choices (drive the boat so to speak), the motivation tiger --whose central drive is usually another character--is stuck being reactionary without the illusion of choice. Unless they change who they are or the power dynamic changes, they're "fated" to react to the other character/characters they're bound to because that's ingrained in their role."

Which if rigidly kept thoughout a whole story makes both characters less than they could be in my opinion, though the always reactionary one by default would be less important.

Of course the plot expanding to a more grandesque nature - world-threatening demon war and possible Chosen One - widens the chasm between the characters even more. On that scale I`m quite disgruntled that once again two human guys fighting the dark because they were dragged in the fight wasn`t enough. You know, two small cogs in the wheel that nevertheless make a difference through perseverance and ingenuity.

After many Chosen One shows I get weary of the concept that humanity at large, as in most individuals choices are really irrelevant because it all comes down to predestined Messianic figures, probably with powers, making the all-deciding choices. Good and evil battle on a large scale and the normal humans can at best be foot soldiers.

Show isn`t quite so stark yet but with all the destiny anvils I almost expect it. For my once upon a time "lower decks" show I find it incredibly disappointing. For example "Mystery Spot" was such a neat episode yet lost emotional gravitas for me when I felt the Trickster`s motive was large-scale destiny-based.