Page 169 - A Fire Within

If I might paraphrase a little bit from STORY by Robert McKee…

Good characters in writing are said to have “dimensions.” What is that, exactly? Just having a laundry list of random character traits (collects stamps, failed high-school French, only buys wheat bread, etc.) isn’t enough to make an interesting character.

Simply put, a character dimension is a spectrum between two opposed qualities. The story’s events cause the character to respond on both ends of the spectrum, allowing the audience to see the same character from multiple angles (hence, “dimension”).

Rarity’s primary character dimension is obvious: Her generosity versus her greed. Earning gratitude from her friends (Suited For Success) inspires her to act generously, while lucrative social/business opportunities (Sweet and Elite) appeals to her greed. Same character, contradictory responses in different situations. Interesting character.

Over the course of the series, Fluttershy has slowly revealed a character dimension of her own: Her meekness versus her assertiveness. In Putting Your Hoof Down, the writers of the show pushed that spectrum to further extremes than ever before, resulting in an expanded frame of reference for her character.

I could go on, but suffice to say I’m always impressed by the writing on this show.

Rarity: …I disagree. Fluttershy CAN do this.
Fluttershy: Um…
Rarity: Please, just listen. Fluttershy may not act brave most of the time, but she has inner courage. Is that fair to say? This would be the perfect moment for that courage to manifest.
Fluttershy: I… Thank you, but… I don’t think I could do that. Me, I mean. I… I’m not…
Rarity: Just put yourself in Fluttershy’s position, dear! Her friends are all down, and that red dragon is gloating over them. Fluttershy might be feeling righteous outrage at what this dragon is doing to her friends! Imagine you are Fluttershy in that situation. What would you do? What would you say?
(beat)