When two characters use similar traits or functions in opposite ways, they’re known as “mirror characters.” These pairs are a great way of creating conflict or relationships – and, oddly enough, a frequent source of literary themes. In the latest Theme: A Story’s Soul article at DIY MFA, we discover how mirror characters can help illustrate theme, using examples from Kristin Cashore’s Fire and Sara Litchfield’s The Night Butterflies. And, if you read closely enough, you’ll see how both examples mirror one another. 😉
Click here to read “How Mirror Characters Can Illustrate Literary Themes.”
Got any questions or suggestions for Theme: A Story’s Soul? Feel free to comment below or tweet me at @SaraL_Writer with the hashtag #AStorysSoul.
Sara Letourneau 
Great article, Sara! This is an interesting topic. I feel I’ve learned more about “mirror characters” now. I vaguely knew about the mirror theme, but I didn’t take the time to really think about it and how to portray it as I write. Now I want to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Elizabeth! Originally this article was going to be about the idea of “What makes a monster?” It wasn’t until I really thought about both The Night Butterflies and Fire that I realized they were using the same technique to make their points. I agree, it’s very intriguing and worth considering more consciously as a writer. That last bit (considering theme more consciously as a writer, which you touched on as well) is actually the subject of the next A Story’s Soul article… which is proving to be a challenge to draft so far. *tries hard not to headdesk*
LikeLiked by 1 person
Drafting big topics, yep. And theme is a big topic! Keep some tea on hand as you draft and take a break now and then–it helps prevent *headdesking* 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
You just reminded me that I need to brew a new cup. *lol* Thank you! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
What yummy flavor was it? ;D
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t remember now… Maybe some kind of oolong? But this afternoon’s cup is a ginger herbal tea for Yogi.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooh that sounds so good!
LikeLike
Never come across DIY MFA before!… so many useful resources! Thanks for the link (and interesting article too, although unfortunately I haven’t read any of the books mentioned which lessens the impact somewhat).
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s awesome, Miriam! I’m glad you like what you’ve seen so far of DIY MFA. Enjoy! 😀
I know you review fantasy novels at Inky Realms. Have you read any of Cashore’s other works, like Graceling or Bitterblue? She tends to write epic / high fantasies with female protagonists, each one quite different from the last.
LikeLike