What is authorial distance in fiction? How does a writer create distance in his own writing, and why should he? Imagine, for instance, you're watching a movie and the director steps into the camera frame and begins explaining or even excusing his character's actions. Unless it's a comedy or parody, it's out of place. But the same thing can happen in fiction if you don't create authorial distance. It might seem simple to avoid, but breaking authorial distance can happen often if you're not aware that it is happening. Sometimes it can be as subtle as a writer breaking point of view or be as obvious as commenting and explaining your story or character's actions.
Instructions
1. Define who your characters are. Try to get to know them inside and out. Write a back story for your character. Where was he born? What schools did he attend? What were his various romantic relationships? You don't have to include all of this information in your story, but it will help you to create a fully dimensional character with opinions, thoughts and attitudes completely his own. This will develop the kind of authorial distance you will need as you write your story.
2. Establish and maintain your story's point of view. If the story is first-person or third-person point of view, stay within that character's particular thoughts and feelings.
3. Refrain from adding your opinion on actions or characters that take place in your story. For instance, let's say your character robs a liquor store. Your character points a gun in the clerk's face and threatens to blow his brains out if he doesn't hand over the money in the cash register. You, as an author, may be tempted to convey to your reader that you find this character's actions despicable. You'll want to write that you think the character is evil or that he is a product of his environment and doesn't know any better. But this type of commentary is intrusive. As an author, you'll be breaking the fourth wall, so to speak, and commenting on the actions rather than letting the story tell itself.
4. Create a fully dimensional world to your fiction that will allow you to convey to your readers the messages or themes you are addressing in your story. For instance, in the example above, create characters who will interact and respond to your character's behavior. You can create a father figure for the young man or a mother who disagrees with his actions. These characters can be the "moral voices" of your story while allowing you to maintain your authorial distance.
5. If you're basing a story on your life or on a personal experience, try to make the protagonist as completely different from yourself as possible. Follow Step 1 and create a real character. Remember: You are creating fiction, not an autobiography. Stay within the foundations of a fictional story by establishing a strong character, point of view and plot.
6. Show, don't tell. It's a writer's chestnut, and it's true. Don't tell your readers what you mean. Show it in your character's actions and attitudes.
