Getting in someone's head
I did the next writing prompt from Joanne and Jessica. The lesson was on writing someone's thoughts and how literature can give us a look into someone else's world. I have really never thought about the idea that fiction gives us insight into someone else that we can never have in life. It's a fair point. I feel like I know my wife very well, but I often find myself wondering what she's thinking. I can see the expression on her face, how she is moving, the tension (or its lack) in her body, but usually I have no idea what she's considering.
In novels, we don't have that problem with one or two of the characters in it. We get some insight into how they feel, their fears, and their private opinions. It's part of what makes some characters so interesting. We get a window into their inner conflict and struggles.
The writing prompt
The prompt was called "jump inside their head." I was given maybe 12 different scenarios and had to pick one. What might this person be thinking in the situation. Nearly every one was something difficult for me to picture. I know what I'm thinking if I feel ill at an important dinner, but I have no idea how Queen Elizabeth II would think in such a situation. In the end, I chose "Napoleon as host his horse in the middle of a battle," then I set the timer and gave it my best shot.
Napoleon's thoughts
How close was that explosion? Where did my horse go? Was it killed?
Wait, I can’t lose my composure. The general must always be in control of himself.
There’s one of my guards. “Henri! Get me another horse! Move, man!” Good, he's moving quickly.
The lines are holding, however a few men are staring at me. Am I bleeding? No, don’t check. Stay composed.
“You men! Pay attention to the enemy! This is a battle, not a social event!”
I wish I could see how the other lines are doing. I’d almost forgotten what it is like to be on the ground in the thick of battle. It’s still chaos. When is Henri going to get me a damn horse? I don’t have time for this.
Stand up straight. Look the situation over calmly. Act like this is expected.
Ah, there is Henri with a horse.
“Good man!”
Quick! Into the saddle. Now survey they battle. The enemy is pressing strongly against us.
“Stand fast! Push them back!”