Faith, Hope and Charity: Charity by Rebecca Seaton

 

Faith, Hope and Charity: Charity by Rebecca Seaton

Money is one type of charity...

The dictionary defines charity as 'assistance given to those in need' or 'a kind and understanding attitude towards, or judgement of, others'.

In the Bible, charity is linked to good works (Acts 9:36) and we are reminded to perform charity for the benefit of others and the glory of God, not our own glory (Matthew 6).

So it seems that charity is using our resources to help others. What does this mean and how could it be presented in our writing?

It could be giving physical resources, whether financial or other practical support. As a fantasy writer, this often presents itself to me as practical aid in times of trouble. A character may have supported my main character through kind words or illuminating prophecy but when the chips are down, a spear, map or boat is gratefully received!

                                                            

 ... but these were charity when I really needed them for my students!

Giving time is also significant. A lot of us are busy and some people find it easier to give practically than to give themselves. I know it speaks volumes to me when a busy friend takes time to connect. Our characters can do this in person or by other means of communication. This can also help pace key events in a narrative, as a key meeting, phone call or letter can be an event which revels truth and changes the direction of a story. Maybe the villain has duped your heroine but a chance meeting with a friend reveals they have been tricked, giving them time to make things right.

If charity is about attitude and assistance, then surely mercy has to be considered the most effective type of charity? When your character has backed themselves into a corner, the story would have nowhere to go without another character throwing them a lifeline, choosing to help them make things right. This is often a chance to reveal features of both the character in need and their helper and can be particularly useful if the merciful character is an authority figure they’ve clashed with before, like a parent or boss.

When you’re writing about a character who needs help and deciding who gives them that charity, think back to when you’ve been in a similar situation. It doesn’t have to be life and death, although it might have felt like it! Maybe someone helped you when you lost a vital piece of paperwork or paid for something when you forgot your purse. Perhaps you saw someone lonely at church and went over to talk rather than dashing off with your friends.

We know the charity of a loving father and a saviour who gave everything, maybe our characters and our readers would benefit from seeing a bit of this too.

 

Rebecca Seaton came second place in the 2017-18 Pen to Print Book Challenge with her YA fantasy, A Silent Song, which explores issues of faith, forgiveness and belonging. She is currently working on her second novel.

 

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