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On the other end of the mental spectrum are those characters who demand almost entirely on instinct. Just like Thinkers, they aren’t entirely instinct, but that’s what drives them more than planning. Much like their tactics, these characters are fairly easy to describe. They work off their first reaction when faced with a challenge and continue operating off whatever their gut tells them to do. For example, a hero may dive into a fight and then retreat when things get to rough or continue swinging until they realize that they might not win.
The funny thing is how people will look at a character like this as a negative. Loose cannon, loner, not a team player, unhinged, reckless, and the list of descriptions continues going to make sure you don’t want to be anywhere near these guys when they show up. They are sources of chaos and can have trouble getting along with others regardless of their charisma. Only so many times an instinct-based character can do what they do without getting into fights. This might be why they don’t always work well in groups, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible.
Perfect example from Legends of Windemere would be Luke Callindor. Since his debut, he has followed his first reaction to everything. This is how his adventures began and the tactic continued. The instant he spots an opening or gets an idea, he puts it into action. This ranges from diving between an ally and an enemy or even battling a dragon high above the ground. It’s not his initial instinct that keeps him alive though. The reason Luke remains effective and can operate in the group is that he continues to follow his gut. As a situation changes, so do his instincts, which have tuned themselves to his surroundings. This doesn’t go for all characters in this role, but those that are most successful tend to have a keen sense of observation.
Writing action scenes with characters like this seem to always be either easy or a real pain in the muse. It’s like going through a maze at times. There are scenes that run smoothly from decision to decision with a natural flow. Then there are ones that I have to keep backtracking because the character who is supposed to win keeps running into a dead end or making a mess. At least with social situations, you can have things continue going until because we’ve all been in awkward conversations. While I do write these scenes quicker, I find myself being more aware of what is going on. Almost like I have to keep my own instincts in check while my characters work off theirs.
It’s hard to really give advice or explain much here. With the Thinker, I can see a step-by-step or checklist that can help an author with such a character. Instinct is simply understanding them well enough to know what they’ll do in a situation. You need the reaction to be natural for the character. Even if the reader believes the hero is being foolish, they should at least think that it’s what they would do. Consistency is very important here, but when is that not something to consider.
One final note: I’ve tried to write a story where everyone was an instinct fighter because that happens a lot in D&D games. Every player acts depending on the character sheet and uses the tactic that is best for them. While you can alter your plans depending on what another player does, that isn’t very effective in a story. You can’t have everyone running around doing whatever they want without their being problems. Just like you can’t have everyone making plans because those will inevitably collide. Some people might get an idea of where I’m going with this for Friday’s post.
Legends of Windemere 
I can see where some melding and merging would have to happen to make all the characters work together.
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I believe that’s the Friday post. You know me and my combo finales. 😁
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Looking forward to it. First Reed Richards, now Ben Grimm. Add them to a team and it could be… fantastic.
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Guess Friday will be smart Hulk. Just have to remember tomorrow is Thursday. Seems once the laptop went away, I forgot the day of the week.
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Those laptop issues have to suck. Maybe tomorrow is a good day to go to the park or something.
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Eh, not much fun by myself. That and its busy setting up for a weekend festival.
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Instinct has to be a big tool for a hero.
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Usually. It can cause some trouble if you depend on it too much.
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That is true. In the end though some is needed.
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Balance is key. Unless you can punch through everything. Then do what you will.
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Right!
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Charles Yallowitz explores the image we have of heroes, in particular the Instinctive Hero: Guts over Brains… dives in where angels fear to tread…some find that reckless.. how about you?
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Thanks for the reblog. 😁
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Pleasure Charles
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Yep, I couldn’t help thinking of Luke. And now I’m wondering where Nyx fits into the scenario.
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Same thing really. She casts by well-trained instincts and reflexes. The first 3 champions you meet are actually more instinct than thought while the next 3 are the other way. They become a combo over time though.
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Here is another interesting post from Charles Yallowitz’s blog on the instinctive hero in writing. You know, those guys that act first and ask questions later.
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Thanks. Glad people are liking these posts.
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I know I am. You’re welcome.
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Interesting descriptions there. Sorta wish I knew more about D&D too after reading.
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Thanks. Although, you don’t have to know much about D&D for this stuff. The thinking and instinctive hero templates would be more about how the players operate than the character stats. The stats can help direct behavior like high intelligence and wisdom numbers means more thinking. Higher physical stats would mean more instinct.
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Thanks 👍
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In Luke’s case, I think a lot of his successes stem from the help of his friends (and the odd divinity) helping him out! 🙂
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Friend do help, but there’s more to it. Being unpredictable is an advantage over some enemies. They have a plan that accounts for many situations. Luke creates an unexpected one, which puts him in control for just enough time to gain an upper hand. At least after the earliest adventure.
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He does get help from the author, too 😉
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Doesn’t every character? 😀
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Only those we like. The rest go the Bedlam way.
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Bedlam way?
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You know. Shattered States; a place where a lot of bad things happen to unsavory characters, usually courtesy of Lloyd…
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Ah, I thought we were talking heroes. Cassidy gets a good amount of kills in too these days. 😁
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True. Lloyd earns extra points for imagination, though. Plus, he’s enjoying it more.
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It’s also his bigger personality. Cassidy is more mellow unless someone angers her. She also uses guns, which don’t allow for too much creativity. Though she gets some good tricks in Derailing Bedlam.
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Don’t forget his dislike of poachers/hunters. Some memorable moments there.
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They’re high on the list, but his hatred of rapists goes back to his first scene. Those he’ll go out of his way to kill unless someone distracts him.
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You gotta admire a serial killer of principle.
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True. Wonder if that’s more common in reality than we think. There’s the whole thing about prison and how some of the most violent will hate those who harm kids and/or animals.
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