DIY QOTW #15: Do The Right Thing

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Mister Senior Love Daddy, Radio DJ (played by Samuel L. Jackson), Do the Right Thing

How does the quote and movie poster from Spike Lee\’s 1989 classic film relate to this week\’s Question?

Remotely. Probably. Just come along with me, okay?

For this week\’s post, Gabriela wrote (mostly) about underdog stories and mentioned \’underdog narratives and comeback stories\’:

It\’s about strength of character and doing the right thing. The deeper, core emotions behind the underdog stories are what really inspire me.

See? She included \’doing the right thing\’ in there. I\’d been thinking about this film earlier (mentioned Radio Raheem in my first post of the day), so this was right on time. There\’s so much going on in the world that we need to consider Da Mayor\’s advice to Mookie — \’Always do the right thing\’.

Yeah, like Gabriela said … there is something about the undercard getting the upper hand. About the one who has been counted out getting the win.

I only like it when it\’s unexpected, or when the antagonist is the least likely character.

That\’s what I try to write in some of my stories: just when you think you know the bad guy, BOOM and surprise — it\’s somebody else.

At least it\’s what I tried to go for in the current work I am shopping. I offered a few character hints a while back but will wait to annoy you with minute details once I get an agent or publisher on the hook for it. Or maybe I\’ll just tease you to no end so you have to pick up a copy to see for yourself how well I did with the art of underdog surprise. Who knows?

What\’s your favorite story archetype? Not sure? Check out Chapter 11 in DIY MFA to learn more!