Into the Fire

We've all read those stories. The protagonist or another prominent character does a 180 and we react with a "Huh?"

For no good reason(s) prior to the actions, we read along to find the character acting . . . well, out of character. It might be convenient or the deux ex machina device, but whatever it is, it doesn't work for most serious readers.

No one likes to be blind-sided while involved in a story. Most of us don't mind being hood-winked by a good mystery, even out-witted by a cunning criminal, but a character suddenly behaving the opposite of who he's been throughout the story? No.

The author loses credibility when he resorts to convenience, to changing a character without warning.

Turnarounds are expected in many story types. We hope for them, look for them, wish for them. But when they come too fast, they're a lazy ploy and we feel like we've been cheated. At least I do. 

Father, we all wish to become better at who we are, at what we do, and most of all we want to obey you the instant we know how and where you're directing us. Help us, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.