45 Master Characters (25 page)

What Motivates the Recluse?

The Recluse's biggest motivator is the need to know and understand. He lives in his head and is always thinking and analyzing. He uses his need to understand his world to occupy his time. He is a great philosopher who can spend ages questioning the mysteries of life.

His need to be alone motivates him to do whatever it takes to find a place where he can be alone.

At some point severe loneliness may cause him to seek out a mate or find a friend.

How Do Other Characters See the Recluse?

Others may see him as a bland person devoid of personality. They wonder if he's insane at times because he obsesses about the deeper meaning of things.

He pays no attention to the clothes he wears or the food he eats. He's too much in his head. He's somewhat like Albert Einstein who wore the same type of suit every day.

He seems fragmented and disorderly, always looking for things he's misplaced.

Developing the Character Arc

Look at your character's main goal in the story and then at the fears you've selected to use against him. What does he need to learn to help him overcome his fear? Does he need to learn to speak in front of large groups? Does he need to organize his life? Does he need to learn how to feel and express love? Does he have to interact with a large group of people in order to save his home?

Very often the Recluse needs to learn how to relate to people. He needs to learn that human companionship has its own rewards and can enrich his life as much as his inner worlds do. He needs to reconnect with his body and be pushed into physical activity.

What happened to him at an early age to make this archetype dominate his personality? Were his parents reclusive? Did he have friends growing up? Did he live in an isolated area and never learn how to be with people? Was his mother always afraid of the city and couldn't be around people?

To grow, this archetype is best paired with one of the following:

The Fool —
can teach him how to have fun and to let loose. He can show him how to talk to people and rejoin life.

The Dictator —
would enforce so many rules and regulations that the Recluse would have to stand up for himself or give up his isolated lifestyle to follow another man's rule.

The Maiden —
would teach him how to love and what it means to be as playful and innocent as a child. Her adventurous nature could change his entire life.

The Scorned Woman —
would be so hurt by her past relationships that she would outdo him in her antisocial behavior. He would probably see himself mirrored in her and decide to change his ways.

Assets:

• Prefers to be left alone most of the time.
  

• Longs for the next project or idea to occupy his time.
  

• Could easily live the life of a monk.
  

• Has a rich inner life.
  

• Is psychically sensitive.
  

• May long for a small family unit.
  

• Can be philosophical and highly intelligent.
  

• Can be a very loyal companion.
  

• Can be reliable since he's always in the same place.
  

• Doesn't play the games people play or get involved in their dramas.
  

• Is very discerning.
  

Flaws:

• Is unexpressive and able to withdraw easily.
  

• Is afraid of his emotions and seems devoid of feeling.
  

• Has trouble talking to people.
  

• Is very pessimistic.
  

• Holds grudges.