So I’ve been having some trouble with scene balance in my most recent WiP. I have one character who is an expert in necromancy and the plot has been centered around necromancy thus far so it’s been a stretch to keep other characters pro-active rather than relegated to a “Certainly So, Socrates” role. This happens for me a lot when I’m working on procedurals, whether they are legal procedurals or police procedurals or, apparently, necromantic procedurals.
But problem solved! I did some old-fashioned background writing (by hand no less), and ended up not only with a better understanding of the motivations for some hitherto-problematic characters, but also with an awesome supporting character who will complicate the dynamic between the leading duo and peel back some darker aspects of the setting.
Does anyone else out there have the same problems with balancing out scenes and character time? I’d be very interested in hearing others’ responses to the problem, and what solutions have worked (or not worked, as the case may be).