Bah Humbug

Christmas, as the old cliche goes, is a time of goodwill to all. If you sit down to read or watch a classic Christmas story it’s theme never seems to start on that note, although it always works towards that kind of ending. So is that what makes a good Christmas storyline? Charles Dickens’ Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol' is probably the most well known character and I wonder if this Yuletide yarn set the stereotypical bar for those that proceded it. The grumpy old man without a kind bone in his body, twisted by greed and the tragic events of his own doing. Despised by most, with good reason. Forced to take stock of his life and attitudes towards others under the threat of the three ghosts; past, present, and future. It has all the great elements of a character-driven story. In the beginning, we are drawn into Scrooge’s world with the assistance of the long-suffering Bob Cratchit. The two characters that are poles apart; Scrooge is uncharitable and unforgiving, whereas Cratchit is humble and generous despite his lack of wealth. Scrooge receives a warning from his dead friend and partner Jacob Marley, to which he takes no heed. The ghosts, one by one, take him on a journey through key points in his life to show him, and the reader, the error of his ways. At first, Scrooge is dismissive but he inevitably realises how his actions and attitudes have affected others and begins to regrets his choices. Finally, the fear of leaving the mortal world without a soul caring about his passing and his newfound compassion for the poor Cratchit family transforms him. Christmas Day dawns and Scrooge awakes to find he has a chance to redeem himself. He lives to make amends with his family and to spread Christmas cheer with the Cratchits. I believe that one of the reasons this story works so well is not only the dramatic character arc of Scrooge but it is a story that most can relate to in some way. The celebration of Christmas, the uncle who no-one wants to invite to Christmas dinner. Those that love the spirit of Christmas and believe in the ethos of goodwill. But, it also has all the elements of a good story. The main character's backstory provides a strong storyline and the characters are engaging; each playing a vital role in the plot. There's an intriguing inciting incident to hook the interest of the reader at the start and a twist before a satisfying end. If you're looking for inspiration to write your own Christmas tale you will find all you need in this classic Dickens penned all those years ago.

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and good luck for your writing goals in 2020!

#AChristmasCarol #Dickens #Scrooge #CharlesDickens #characterarc #yuletide #classic #ghosts #writinggoals #goodwill