Powerful people are impressive to me, but those who are powerful and wise--they are faves. When you think about this in the sense of an authority check, you might understand what I love about the idea.
Characters that are powerful are not always wise with their skills or abilities. Therefore, when you find a character that takes command of a situation because they know they can, you have a critical character in the making. A character that knows and acts on their purpose with authority (*throws fist on desk*, *now rubbing wrist to ease pain*) is a must for every story and genre! A few examples will explain this principle further.
**Proceed with caution as spoilers are involved here.**
On a simple scale, Lady Harriet from Wives and Daughters used her influence to save the reputation of Molly Gibson. She knew the influence she had in her community and she used it to her best advantage to help a member of the community over which she had some stewardship.
Moving right along to Cinderella. When the step-mother is exerting her last effort to prevent Cinderella's happy ending, the Captain is there to check her. As an officer of the king, he has that right of authority and wields it well. (Love, LOve, LOVE!)
Next, we have Aragorn. When he accepts the mantle of King of Gondor he engages the power of Sauron and is able to command the Palantir. He also takes a more commanding role when it comes to the last battles of the story.
And lastly, we have Aslan. He is known as gentle and kind but we also know that "he is not a tame lion." (Sorry I simply can't detail all of Aslan's moments. So, choose a favorite and go with that.)
Have I missed any of your favorite Authority Check scenes?
Cordy
I love these examples!!! I love it when people use their authority in the way you described--especially when it involves taking down someone who thinks they have authority down a notch or two. :) It's definitely important in writing; thanks for the reminder. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Delete"especially when it involves taking down someone who thinks they have authority down a notch or two" << those situations are so satisfying, aren't they?!
Oh yes! I do like that. You can tell that they are the ones that know what the are talking about. Love your examples!
ReplyDeleteYes, please give me more people who know what they are about. :D
DeleteWell, Dumbledore. And sort of for Rhett Butler
Delete(Sorry it took me so long to reply!)