Desire

Main Character Problem

In each of the stories below, the Main Character's personal difficulties arise from the motivation to change one's situation or circumstances (MC Problem: Desire). The solution to these difficulties therefore lies in being suited to handle a task; the innate capacity to do or be (MC Solution: Ability). At the point of crisis these Main Characters will have a decision to make: either do things the way they always have (Remain Steadfast) or adopt the alternative viewpoint presented within the story (Change). If they Remain Steadfast then this problem will appear more as a source of drive within the Main Character (it will define them). If they Change then they will do so by adopting the solution.

Main Character Problem    Desire

The Piano Lesson

Berniece is driven to protect herself and Maretha from the consequence of a man’s reckless acts.  She won’t marry Avery because she doesn’t want her destiny to be defined by a man again, and be hurt like she was when Crawley was killed.  Her refusal puts her at odds with Doaker, Lymon, and Avery because they think a young woman should be married.
BERNIECE:  Avery, I ain’t ready to get married now.
AVERY:  You too young a woman to close up, Berniece.
BERNIECE:  I ain’t said nothing about closing up.  I got a lot of woman left in me.
AVERY:  Where’s it at?  When’s the last time you looked at it?
BERNIECE:  That’s a nasty thing to say.  And you call yourself a preacher. (Wilson, p. 66)

Additional Stories

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