While working on my new version of Double Edged Sword (I really need a new title for that) I realized that one of my main characters is a sociopath.
I've always known he was unrepentantly "evil", but as I've written him, and researched, I've discovered it's a bit more than that. He's not so much evil as... practical. He does what he must, and doesn't fret over guilt or self-flagellation.
In short: A sociopath.
This provides interesting opportunities. I recently came upon the blog for a diagnosed sociopath who often talks about love, and sociopathy. She says that while it's commonly thought that sociopaths can't love, in fact, they can. The intensity she describes is what I think is going on with my MMC; he is consumed by it. To the point of obsession.
So I'm going to continue to research this line of reasoning, and see where it leads me. It's certainly already providing interesting insights. And a more nuanced character who isn't so blunt-force trauma.
I'm really enjoying my rewrite; it's slow going, but I'm letting myself take my time and think. The result is already feeling more polished. I swear, reading back over the original, there were so many colloquialisms and such that it was painful.
I may even hit my camp word count goal for the first time!
