Character Development
A tale of three songs over three months
A Definition
I like to work with definitions and not attach random meanings to words. Because words are sacred and they are supposed to mean something.
Character development refers to the process of creating a detailed, complex, and evolving character in a story, novel, film, or other narrative forms. It involves giving characters depth and personality by exploring their motivations, backgrounds, personalities, and growth throughout the narrative. Character development helps make characters feel more realistic and relatable, allowing the audience to connect with them emotionally.
Source: ChatGPT
One of the key elements of a story, movie or a TV show is the effort invested in character development of each and every key figure in the said story/movie/TV show.
How does the character develop new skills, process emotions, fight contradictions to emerge stronger or weaker as the story progresses? The twists and turns in this journey adds zing to the work of art in question.
I don’t consider myself a work of art. But I feel that I have been significantly affected by the movie ‘Rockstar’ ever since I watched it. Initially I was very critical about it.
But I relate to it because it is a story about pain and glory. To be more specific it is a story about glory that was achieved only due to unbearable soul-crushing pain.
One can empathise with the lead character only if the individual has experienced unbearable pain.
And I must say I can.
This is one of the reasons why I feel so connected to the music album of this movie.
Note: You might have to watch the movie and listen to these songs in the right context to understand what I am about to say hereafter.
Self Reflection
When I look at myself as a character in the evolving story of my life, I see a helpless child trying to find a secure slot in the universe. I went about this process by trying to excel in studies and my job.
Once I found what I wanted, I had a craving for love. It almost felt like a void. The first failure was crushing. But probably that was not enough. There were a couple of encounters that did not hurt much, but did cause disappointment.
But the fourth serious iteration was soul-crushing because I had invested more than any other occasion.
To make matters worse, the person involved attempted to ruin my reputation as a decent man. That damaged any possible chance of reconciliation.
I was hurt like a character in a Dostoevskian novel. It was hard to bring back the pieces of my self-image and put it together again. This process took almost 7 months.
Phase 1: The Dichotomy of Fame (June 2024)
When the wounds had started to dry up, I ended up watching ‘Rockstar’, which somehow made me bleed once more. First, the unspeakable pain returned. It did not destabilise my work or routine, but it weighed on my soul. I silently bore the pain and treated myself with dignity.
The dichotomy was that I still had affection for the person, but I was also aware that the same person had hurt me and betrayed my faith in certain promises. But I sat with these thoughts without doing anything that would destroy the progress made.
Phase 2: Kun Faya Kun (July 2024)
I realised that there are things which can’t be explained and all things that have happened to me, including the soul-crushing pain, was actually a part of god’s plan. And nobody can fight the god’s plan. It had to happen.
There was a certain level of acceptance and peace that was gradually achieved with support from friends and the therapist. During this phase, I fully engaged with my interests and self-improvement.
Phase 3: Saadda Haq (August 2024)
This was a phase where I reiterated to myself that nobody on earth can define who I am. I am who I am and no matter what others might say or claim, I can’t lie to myself. I am a decent human and I deserve to be loved and respected like anyone else.
During this phase, I decided to ignore anyone who did not reciprocate my kindness and my respect. They simply don’t deserve it.
And, those who are deeply damaged and looking for succour in my courtyard don’t deserve any special treatment unless they can take care of me and tend to my needs. This phase has finally cemented the idea of self-worth and self-respect irrespective of the circumstances.
I started paying close attention to my own feelings and emotions instead of putting the spotlight squarely on others. If I did not feel valued and respected in any place, work or personal life, I have the gumption to pack my bags and leave.
After all, I have painstakingly built a beautiful life for myself. And I still consider love to be divine. I am still a caring and loving person. But the only change is that I will give it only to people who can demonstrate that they have the capacity to receive it and give it back.
Conclusion
Writing all of this brings a lot of clarity to my mind and gives me a solid foundation on which I can build something even more beautiful than what I have right now. This is not a greedy proposition but a natural desire for growth and fulfilment.