In looking into some character development advice, I ran across the phrase “method of manipulation” – in other words, how does your character get what he/she wants? Springboarding off that inspiration, this installment of the OC Analysis series will compare the styles of persuasion employed by each of the main players in Pet Projects.
The L&F’s mama hen, Shay, faces the daunting task of keeping four teenage boys and a set of hyperactive eleven-year-old twins in line. While she isn’t above playing the authority card or nagging when it’s needed, she primarily appeals to emotion to gain their cooperation, striving to gauge how each one feels and express how she feels about things so that they can work through any roadblocks.
On the other hand, her co-leader, Tristan, deals strictly in utilitarian logic. What’s practical to try, what hasn’t worked in the past, what everyone’s strengths and weaknesses are, what resources they have available – these are the types of things he weighs in making a decision or assisting Shay with implementing one. When disagreements arise, his argument style is typically laying out the cold, hard facts pertinent to the discussion.
When it comes to his medical duties or assignments he’s in charge of around the base, Avery will also lay down logic to get everyone on the same page. He has a habit of being blunt, but he will often reason things out with the other person so that there’s mutual understanding. When it comes to personal things he just wants, he may do favors for the other person, like helping them with chores or running errands for them, to butter them up before he makes his request.
Veli is harmony-focused and generally puts everyone else’s preferences ahead of his own. When he does argue for something, he advocates for what is fair or what will make everyone happy. Like Shay, it’s an emotional approach to problem-solving, but with a wider scope. In instances when there’s something he wants for himself, he may be inclined to some mild emotional manipulation – puppy-eyed pleading, specifically.
In stark contrast to Veli, Everett is focused on looking strong and winning. In arguments, this translates to bulldozing viewpoints he doesn’t agree with (though Shay, the only one he shows deference to, is usually exempt). In friendly debates, he tends to poke fun at others' opinions if they don’t jive with him. When a discussion becomes heated, he can get loud and confrontational, using verbal barbs and occasionally even intimidation to get his way.
