Mentor and Story

Posted by Anjuelle Floyd | Filed under Articles and Essays, Musings

Mentors are the wisdom-carriers in stories. They infect the protagonist or major character with knowledge and information needed to complete their quest.

Mentors encourage the heroine or hero to believe, and have faith in her or his ability to meet the challenge standing before them. On a psycho-spiritual level mentors represent the Imago Dei, the god-image that all humans carry.

Through interaction with the Mentor, the protagonist awakens to her or his own divinity, that part of god that resides in us, the Soul of all souls that connects us to the Divine and every other human being.

This role of redemption that the mentor plays is very important particularly since the quest of the protagonist often holds importance around not only her or his survival, but that of those she or he loves, and who love and respect the protagonist.

Dumbledore serves as a mentor to the orphaned Harry Potter. Often the best protagonists feel like motherless, or fatherless children.

Even if their parents are yet alive, part of the healing required is that of adequate parenting, nurturing and acceptance, love for who they are despite their flaws and fears.

Mentors provide this, but at a price. The protagonist must believe in her or himself.

Mentors also provide and transfer discipline and a respect for discipline, as with “Wax on. Wax off,” Mr. Miyagi’s (Pat Morita) mantra to Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) in “The Karate Kid“.

While often thought of as elderly, and holding great sagacity, mentors can also present as young. In the movie “Uptown Girls,” Dakota Fanning’s 8-year-old character, Ray Schleine teaches her nanny, Molly Gunn, played by Brittany Murphy, how to grow up and take responsibility.”

Ray’s statement, (paraphrased) “Fundamentals is key to having fun,” stand in line with “Wax on. Wax off.” Accepting the responsibility of adulthood then gives Molly’s character the strength to teach Ray how to play, something Ray has never done.

How is writing like play?

What are the disciplines of writing that you find most important to experiencing the joy of writing and crafting stories?

Who has mentored you in writing? How were they helpful?

Tags: acceptance, Brittany Murphy, challenge, Dakota Fanning, Daniel LaRusso, discipline, Divne, Dumbledore, encourage, fatherless, fears, flaws, fun, fundamentals, Harry Potter, Imago Dei, information, knowledge, love, mentor, motherless, Mr. Miyagi, nanny, nurturiing, orphan, parent, Pat Morita, protagonist, psycho-spiritual, quest, Ralph Macchio, Ray Schleine, redemption, respect, sagacity, soul, story, The Karate Kid, Uptown Girls, wax off, wax on, wisdom

Permalink | Comments (4) | October 28, 2009

4 Responses to “Mentor and Story”

Peter Burns Says:
October 28th, 2009 at 7:15 am

Hi Anjuelle
I have just listened to your blog radio talk with Author, Druzelle Cederquist and what a wonderfull interview and
thought provoking subjects a delightfull 1 hour interview
Thank you very much and Best Wishes fromScotland ,UK
Peter Burns
Anjuelle Floyd Says:
October 28th, 2009 at 11:22 am

Wow. I am so very honored.
First that you are from Scotland. How did you come by my interview? I am so intrigued.
Secondly that you found that interview enlightening and helpful.
I simply do the show. Very little is planned beyond scheduling the authors and and reminding them of upcoming interviews. I am very tight about that since we all leave such busy lives.
Thirdly, I am most touched that you that the interview so moved you that you took some of your precious the time to let me know. I take nothing for granted. Your gratitude has made my week.
I am cc’ing Druzelle of your comment and my response. I am certain she too will be touched.
If you are so moved, visit her website @ http://luminousrealities.blogspot.com/

Have a wonderful day.
Blessings.

And
LaConnie Says:
October 28th, 2009 at 12:24 pm

Hi Anjuelle:

Wonderful post!!

And you’re so rright that mentors are full of wisdom, many beyond their years.

Early in my career, I was fortunate to meet Beverly Jenkins, author of African-American historical romance and became my writing mentor. Although our writing styles are different, the insight she’s shared with me from the sixteen years she’s been a published author is priceless.
Anjuelle Floyd Says:
October 29th, 2009 at 1:33 pm

Your post so eloquently reflects the two journeys that writers travel. Much like the major characters of our stories we too carry a goal–to write engaging and entertaining fiction.
And like our characters we too need mentors–to who show us how to write and how to live and make a living as writers.

Thanks so much for such an insightful post.