photo by Phoenix Han unsplash.com I enjoy using pineapple characters in my stories. To me, they add depth, contrast, color, and even a bit of humor. What do I mean by pineapple characters?
Let's think about it for a moment. A pineapple has that tough, prickly outer shell that protects it's sweet but tart interior. It takes something sharp to pierce that hard shell before you can taste that luscious tropical fruit inside, but if you accidently get some of that outer shell on your lips--ouch! Even the juice can have a bite, and for most people eating too much can cause a sore mouth, lips, and acid reflex! Do you get it now?
For me, pineapple characters can be good or bad, old or young, protagonist or antagonist, but never simple. These characters are always complex with a back story that can become the main plot if you want or only viewed from a distant in a few, sparsely inserted flashbacks or hints. Regardless of where they fit into the story, pineapple characters need three things to make them work. They are:
It really doesn't make any difference what type of story is written, but having a pineapple character in it can always add depth, contrast, color, and yes, even a little humor to the plot. Try it, you might enjoy it. I know I do.
Let's think about it for a moment. A pineapple has that tough, prickly outer shell that protects it's sweet but tart interior. It takes something sharp to pierce that hard shell before you can taste that luscious tropical fruit inside, but if you accidently get some of that outer shell on your lips--ouch! Even the juice can have a bite, and for most people eating too much can cause a sore mouth, lips, and acid reflex! Do you get it now?
For me, pineapple characters can be good or bad, old or young, protagonist or antagonist, but never simple. These characters are always complex with a back story that can become the main plot if you want or only viewed from a distant in a few, sparsely inserted flashbacks or hints. Regardless of where they fit into the story, pineapple characters need three things to make them work. They are:
- A physical appearance that makes them noticed. This can be strong or weak, but it has to fit the second thing-
- A personality that is hard on the outside and rarely cracked to see the sweet or biting temperament that lies within. The nature or disposition of the person is determined by your story. This will require a lot of thought and a thorough background to maintain that prickly exterior.
- A flaw is important to incorporate since that is the result of whatever happened to Mr. or Ms. Pineapple in the past. It can also be what pierces through that rough wall built around that softer interior. They could be impatient, reckless, stubborn, blunt or even rude, arrogant, egotistical, or what I call, "crusty". (Remember, I write MG books and children's stories, so "crusty" is an easier flaw to portray)
It really doesn't make any difference what type of story is written, but having a pineapple character in it can always add depth, contrast, color, and yes, even a little humor to the plot. Try it, you might enjoy it. I know I do.
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