Skip to content
Notes
- “when a character is allowed to act out of character it lets you write and justify almost anything”
- trope can be used in a wide range of narrative contexts
- Pros:
- versatility, not restricted
- scenario enabling, unique interactions
- dynamic exploration, when character is under control it forces the other character to confront their own attitudes towards that character
- Types:
- Brainwashing
- mundane
- no direct mental influence
- not easy to undo
- done via torture
- serious/tragic tone
- Possession
- direct
- character is semi aware = angst
- may be dispelled by heroic willpower
- requires explanation, not mundane
- People-puppet
- more direct
- not really mind control
- overlaps w/ possession
- character fully aware
- requires explanation
- Hypnosis
- classic route
- character in trance, totally unaware
- light tone
- easy to break from outside
- fragile
- Perception control
- indirect
- character fully aware, senses being manipulated
- flexible tone
- responsibility is debatable
- complex, indirect, interesting
- Virus
- slow but steady route
- character is slowly corrupted
- less mind control, similar to brainwashing but slower
- accompanied by physical changes
- can’t be “snapped out” but may be cured
- dark and tragic tone
- motives for mind control:
- distract the heroes
- use hero’s skills
- gloating
- leads at some point to the “i know you’re in there somewhere” fight
- person being mind controlled is fighting from the inside
- Low responsibility for actions: possession, people-puppeting, hypnosis
- medium responsibility: brainwashing, perception manipulation
- high responsibility: virus