I had a little burst of inspiration last night that got me thinking about some of the stories that I would, in theory, like to write some day. I pulled out Robert McKee's Story and everything and am now reading the first chapter.
I'd like to write one of the stories in a particular way. I feel no fear in talking about this because I have zero plot, and therefore nothing to steal. I'd like to write a story wherein the main character is not the protagonist. What I mean is, I'd like to have the bulk of the events happen to, and for most of the action to come from, a character who is not the focus of the story. Not in a Nick Carraway kind of capacity, necessarily, but more that the main character doesn't really understand or get involved with the events of the story at all.
Can I do that? Has that been done before? I mean, I assume that it has, but I'm wondering if there are examples that could be brought to my attention.
Thursday
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I can't think of any right now, but I like the idea a lot. If an example occurs to me, I will return.
What I instantly thought of was Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, because while they both dominate the stage time, even in Stoppard's work their fate and actions are determined by Hamlet's needs and actions.
I've know I've read or seen things that I've compared to R&G, but I can't think of any other examples at the moment.
Like in The Go-Between? It's possible I'm not getting the concept though. If events happen to and action comes from a certain character, wouldn't that make said character the focus?
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