An Interview with Destiny "Dezi" Miller (female lead Protagonist) #WhiteNoise #Distortion #Fiction

A fictional interview with my female lead Protagonist for Distortion, book 1 of the White Noise series.

As with my other article "An Interview with Dr. Briar (Antagonist) #WhiteNoise #Distortion #Fiction", I am using ChatGPT-4 as the Interviewer, and I am using basic Improv techniques to role-play for my fictional character.

While I had a vague idea of Dezi's Want/Lie, Need/Truth that will help me set up her Character Arch, it was a vague idea. I wanted to flush out what does she really want, and why. 

I had to volunteer some information the interviewer wasn't asking for, because I started wondering myself, "why though?" And I  think we have a fairly well rounded "WHY". 

You will find that this interview is shorter, and the answers more targeted. I already have spent years investigating this character, backstory has changed a few times, and I know who she is in a general sense, I just needed to clarify her story


See more on this concept written by KM Weiland and her post on How to Write Character Arcs. Especially these sections:

PART 2: THE LIE YOUR CHARACTER BELIEVES

The Change Arc is all about the Lie Your Character Believes. His life may be horrible, or his life may seem pretty great. But festering under the surface is the Lie. 

PART 3: THE THING YOUR CHARACTER WANTS VS. THE THING YOUR CHARACTER NEEDS

The Lie plays out in your character’s life, and your story, through the conflict between the Thing He Needs (the Truth) and the Thing He Wants (the perceived cure for the symptoms of the Lie). 

PART 4: YOUR CHARACTER’S GHOST

If there’s one solid rule in fiction, it’s that every effect must have a cause. If your character is in need of undergoing a change arc, then one of your first tasks is figuring out why he needs to change. What happened to him to cause him to embrace this obviously damaging Lie?

So the following interview was to help me find Dezi's Want/Lie, Need/Truth.


Here is the interview thread:

***

To ChatGPT-4:

Prompt: You are an interviewer, I will improv play-act a character in my novel. Her name is Destiny Miller, goes by Dezi. She is tired of doing local fluff piece's and wants to do some real reporting on stories that matter. We're identifying her story arch, what is her Want vs Need, Lie vs Truth, why does she want to do "real" reporting so bad? Go>

ChatGPT 

All right, Darrell, let's dive into the character of Destiny "Dezi" Miller. I'll start by outlining some key concepts, and you can guide the direction further if you'd like more detail. 

Want vs. Need: Dezi's want is to transition from local fluff pieces to hard-hitting, impactful journalism. This desire likely stems from a need to prove her capabilities and make a significant impact in her field. However, her true need might be to find her own voice and understand what stories she genuinely values, not just what she thinks is "real" reporting. 

Lie vs. Truth: The lie Dezi might believe is that only serious, investigative journalism is worthy and that anything less is trivial. The truth could be that every story has its value and that her unique perspective, even on smaller stories, can make a significant impact. 

Motivation for "Real" Reporting: Dezi's drive for more serious reporting could stem from various factors. It might be a desire for recognition and respect in her profession, a personal connection to a larger issue, or a dissatisfaction with the superficial nature of her current assignments. Her motivation can be rooted in a past experience or a mentor who influenced her perception of journalism. 

Would you like to explore any of these points further, or should we delve into another aspect of Dezi's character?

I'll be her, you be an interviewer. 

Great, let's start the interview. I'll be the interviewer, and you'll respond as Dezi Miller.

Interviewer: "Good afternoon, Dezi. It's a pleasure to have you here. I've noticed you've been doing a lot of local stories lately, which have been well-received. But I hear you're looking to shift gears towards more hard-hitting journalism. Can you tell us what's driving this change in your career focus?"

I don’t know… It just seems like all I ever get assigned are silly stories about local shop openings, parades, town events, stuff like that. But I never get assigned anything serious, ya’ know? Like there’s all these big things happening around the area, school funds being misused, battles at the county, and our paper either covers one side of the story to the exclusion of the other, or they turn-down pieces I bring about hard hitting stuff with lame excuses, like, “We’ve covered that…”, but they really haven’t. 

Interviewer: "It sounds like you're feeling a bit frustrated with the limitations placed on your reporting. You're seeking depth and balance in your stories. In your view, what kind of impact do you think covering these more contentious, complex issues would have on your readers and the community?"

I think people really need to know what’s going on. They’re all busy with their lives, and church events, and high school basketball games. They don’t have time to sit in otherwise boring city council meetings, then loop multiple recent events together to see what’s really happening in the city. Many times I’ve heard people complain about how they wish they’d known something was happening after it was already too late.

Interviewer: "That's a very insightful perspective, Dezi. It seems like you're not just looking to report news, but to provide a service to the community by connecting the dots and uncovering the bigger picture. With this in mind, what do you think has been holding you back from pursuing these more in-depth stories? Is it just the editorial direction of your current publication, or is there something else?"

The County Press says they’ve already covered this things in the past, but when I look, I find they haven’t. I’m afraid they’re actually suppressing these stories on purpose because it’s bad for business, tourism, and local officials want it kept quiet.

Interviewer: "That's a serious concern, Dezi. It sounds like you're grappling with potential editorial bias and perhaps even censorship at your current publication. Given these challenges, how do you plan to navigate this situation? Do you see yourself trying to change the system from within, or are you considering other avenues to tell these important stories?"

Well that’s the issue, right? All I ever really wanted to do was to be a reporter. I finally landed a job with a real newspaper, and the only viable paper in this region. But now that I’m inside, it doesn’t look like they want real reporting. In fact, I think they’re actively against unbiased investigative reporting, especially the kind that inspired me to get into this in the first place.

Interviewer: "That's quite a predicament, Dezi. It's clear you have a passion for journalism and a strong desire to report the truth. Facing such constraints, have you considered alternative platforms or methods to pursue the kind of investigative reporting you're passionate about? Perhaps independent journalism, online platforms, or collaborations with other journalists who share your vision?"

I know other options are out there, but it feels like my voice doesn’t matter unless it comes from an authoritative space. Like, who cares what Dezi Miller from podunk Idaho thinks.

Interviewer: "That's a valid concern, Dezi. Building credibility and a following can be challenging, especially outside traditional media platforms. However, your unique voice and dedication to uncovering the truth are valuable assets. Have you thought about how you might leverage your current position to gradually introduce more in-depth stories, or perhaps use your platform to highlight the need for more comprehensive coverage in a way that aligns with your publication's interests?"

I have been told in no uncertain terms, that if I publish outside of my paper, I will be let go. And this is my only income right now. Without this, I’ll have to go back to waiting tables, or maybe I can get a job teaching English at the high school or something. But I worked for this my whole life, how can I walk away now?

Interviewer: "That's a tough spot to be in, Dezi. It's a delicate balance between maintaining your livelihood and pursuing your journalistic integrity. Have you considered ways to subtly shift the narrative within your current stories to include elements of deeper, more meaningful reporting, without overtly breaking your publication's rules? Sometimes, impactful change starts with small, strategic steps within existing boundaries."

I suppose, since The County Press is sending me to these fluff events, I could spend the time getting to know the people, the voices on the ground, get their concerns, add what I can into the pieces while gathering data for the ‘real’ stories I think need to be told? 

Interviewer: "Exactly, Dezi. That sounds like a practical and strategic approach. By using your current assignments to build relationships and gather insights, you're laying the groundwork for more substantial stories. This method also allows you to maintain your position while subtly pushing the boundaries of your reporting. How do you plan to navigate the potential risks involved in this approach, especially with your editors?"

I’ve had a full shouting match with my editor Jameson several times. I’ve threatened to quit on him at least twice. He really likes my writing, he says the press has had more interaction on the website and social media pages since I started. He wants me to accept that I’m doing good work. It’s just not enough. So we bicker about what level of serious I can have. 

It’s just… I was raised by my grandmother. My parents died when I was three. I just want it to mean something. 

Interviewer: "Your dedication and personal drive are truly commendable, Dezi. It sounds like you have a deep, personal connection to your work, stemming from your background and the values instilled by your grandmother. Given this, and your editor's appreciation of your writing and its impact, do you think there's room for negotiation with Jameson? Perhaps you could propose a trial for more in-depth pieces, leveraging the increased engagement your work has brought to the publication."

He’s said many times, “Bring me something I can publish, and I’ll run it.” But whenever I bring him anything “serious”, he turns it down. He claims he is willing to let me have some other stuff, but the only people who’s stories ever get run happen to also be good friends with the city and county elected officials.

Interviewer: "That's quite a challenging situation, Dezi. It seems like there might be external pressures influencing the editorial decisions at The County Press. In light of these challenges, have you thought about how you can craft stories that are both impactful and align with the publication's apparent constraints? Perhaps finding a way to report serious issues while maintaining a balance that satisfies your editor and the publication's network could be a key strategy."

Unfortunately, the real issues he won’t let published at all. And the remaining issues, his idea of balance is far off-center but with center sounding words. 

Interviewer: "It's clear that you're in a difficult position, Dezi, where the ideals of journalism you uphold are at odds with the realities of your workplace. Considering these constraints, it might be worth exploring creative approaches. Could you consider using your platform to spotlight the voices and stories that are often overlooked, even within the parameters of less controversial topics? This way, you're still bringing attention to underrepresented perspectives, while potentially paving the way for more substantial reporting in the future."

That’s the rock and a hard place I’m in. For now, I will play the game. Grandma Miller ain’t raised no fool. But I don’t know how long I can ride that line, I’ve never been known for my patience. 

Interviewer: "Navigating this path with patience and strategy is indeed challenging, Dezi. But it sounds like you have a strong foundation, thanks to your grandmother's influence. While you're 'playing the game,' as you put it, keep an eye out for opportunities to pivot towards the journalism you aspire to do. Remember, every great journalist has faced challenges and had to find their unique path. Your journey is just beginning, and your determination is clear. Stay true to your values and keep seeking those openings where you can make a difference, however small they may seem at first."

That’s what I’m hoping for. My parents died in a car crash. I was supposed to be in that car with them, but I was feeling sick, so they dropped me off with Grandma Miller that night. I should have been in that car, I should be gone. But I’m here. That has to mean something right? I didn’t get a stay of execution just to write about Hazel Daze parades, or the grand opening of yet another mediocre restaurant concept. It has to mean something, right? I need it to mean something… 

Interviewer: "Dezi, that's a profound and deeply personal motivation. Your survival and the path you've chosen in journalism—it's clear that you see this as more than just a career; it's a calling, a way to give meaning to your life and honor the memory of your parents. Your determination to make your work meaningful is not just commendable, it's inspiring. While the journey may be fraught with challenges and compromises, remember that every story you tell, no matter how small it seems, is a step towards that larger purpose you seek. And sometimes, the most significant impacts are made in ways we least expect. Keep holding onto that need for meaning—it's a powerful driving force."

I guess so… I mean. A business opening is meaningful to the person who is opening the business. They put their heart, passion, money, often their entire retirement or savings, into that business. They planned, often for years, and finally executed their dream. There is a story there, for sure. That’s the story I try to tell. The human story. But when I know there are such huge things happening, things that will have ramifications on the community for decades to come, and nobody is letting the people know… that is a burden I just don’t know if I can bear much longer. I may have to go solo, if only for those very people who are investing their lives into those bushiness that will be affected by these other things. The more I get to know those humans, the less comfortable I am waiting to tell the big stuff, because it affects them and they don’t know.

Interviewer: "Your empathy and understanding of the human element in every story, whether it's a small business opening or a larger community issue, is what sets you apart, Dezi. You're right, every story has its significance, and every decision, big or small, affects the community. It's a heavy burden to bear, knowing that there are larger stories out there, untold and potentially impacting the very people you write about in your current assignments. Going solo is a big step, but it could be the path that allows you to report on the stories you believe in, without the constraints you're currently facing. It's a risk, but sometimes, the biggest risks lead to the most rewarding outcomes. Whatever path you choose, it's clear that your commitment to truth and the people in your community will guide you."

Thanks George, you’ve always been a curious and wise monkey. I think I know what I need to do, I just have to set up the dominoes.

Interviewer: "It's been a pleasure talking with you, Dezi. Setting up those dominoes with careful thought and strategy is key. Remember, each step you take, no matter how small, is part of a larger journey towards the kind of journalism you're passionate about. Keep your values close, and trust in your ability to make a difference. I'm confident that with your determination and skill, you'll find the right path. Good luck, and I look forward to seeing the impactful stories you'll tell in the future."

***

I hope you enjoyed the interview,

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Shalom: Live Long and Prosper!

Darrell Wolfe (DG Wolfe)

Storyteller | Writer | Thinker | Consultant @ DarrellWolfe.com

Clifton StrengthsFinder: Intellection, Learner, Ideation, Achiever, Input
16Personalities (Myers-Briggs Type): INFJ