IT'S ALL IN THE NAME

As I have mentioned yesterday, my character's two-dimensionality was quite an issue in my pitching the story to colleagues, all of whom had thought out backstories for their protagonists. Especially in this case, when the subject requires a more introspective approach, it is key to understand who my character is, and why does she behave the way she does. We have figured out her general goal, and why she is pursuing it - you can check that out in one of my previous posts - but there is no depth to it. Even worse, the character - the face of the project! - does not even have a name. So let's start with that.

Not unlike my character, I need everything to be perfect. For that, I looked at name meanings: I figured that the character's downfall could be hinted at in her title, showing that, from the start, she was doomed to fail. Still, the few words that evoke the meaning of "failure" or "madness" were pretty blatant and obviously chosen with the aforementioned purpose. Besides, a person named "Doom" is not very likely to succeed in an environment where career advancements depend on other people's decisions - studies have shown preferences for one type of name over the other in the business world, and defeatist titles are not particularly favored. I settled, then, for a "double-edge-sword:" Narcissa. The name, of course, is a direct allusion to the myth of Narcissus, whose obsession with himself led to his untimely ending. However, the term has gained popularity due to its other meaning: daffodil. The latter, too, relates to the myth, but only to its brighter aspects; Narcissa becomes, then, a common enough name that it does not signal the character as an outcast in the corporate world. 

As for the last name, living in the shadow of some great chemist could drive the character even further into her pursuit of greatness. That is, having the same last name as renowned scientist symbolizes how the character has "big shoes to fill" to live up to her name. From this concept was born Dr. Narcissa Châtelier, experienced pharmaceutical scientist. Armed with a new moniker for the scientist, I could officially begin the character study.

Henry Louis Le Châtelier, the French chemist known for his work on equilibrium

Dr. Narcissa Châtelier is in her mid-30s, but is nothing short of accomplished for her age. Having excelled all throughout her career, she always attempts to defy expectations, and yet managed to succeed every time. The scientist was never one for religion, but her secular practices never stopped her from believing that there was some truth to the centuries-long search for a universal cure. Narcissa herself had come face to face with ailment - at a young age, she witnessed firsthand the somber decay of human life as her brother fell ill, and no treatment available reversed the tragic circumstance. After being awarded the Dreyfus Prize in the Chemical Sciences for her work in pharmacology, Narcissa quickly announced her latest and most ambitious project: creating a panacea. 

She had considered taking on the challenge for a long time now; motivated by her past experiences, and knowing the renown such a feat would garner, the search for a true cure-all was but another business deal. However, soon after setting the unachievable standard, Narcissa began to doubt. Was there even such a thing as a real panacea? There had to be - think of the good it would do, the lives she could save! But, to any who do not share the same vision as the acclaimed scientist, it was clear that the pursuit of the mystical concoction was pure madness. 

Thus, Narcissa's self-imposed pressure, plus the peering eyes of all the scientific community (not to mention hopeful citizens), contribute to her ever-growing belief that it is possible to solve the mystery. As the doctor strays farther and farther from true chemistry, venturing into alchemy and witchcraft, her colleagues and relatives attempt, in vain, to warn her. Still, she is obsessed with her work, and rapidly secludes herself from any who may discourage her practices - though she is still painfully aware of what others may say about her. 

Narcissa's fear of failure is a widespread character fault, seen in all of my case studies. Her ego, besides the increasing tension and anxiety, only pull her farther down into the abyss - not unlike Whiplash's Andrew or Black Swan's Nina. Now, knowing my character well enough, it is time to go full force ahead.

SOURCES:

Insider. (2016, September 2). 15 ways your child’s name sets them up for success — or failure. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/what-you-name-your-kids-will-affect-their-success-2016-9?international=true&r=US&IR=T

Terry, E. D. A. G. (2020, June 3). The 94 worst baby names in existence - and their terrible meanings. Closer. https://closeronline.co.uk/family/news/worst-baby-name-bad-meaning-girl-boy/

Dreyfus Foundation. (2021, February 24). About Us. https://www.dreyfus.org/about-us/