How can you use the mirror technique to reflect a character's inner conflicts?

2 How to choose a mirror for your character?

There are different types of mirrors that you can use to reflect your character's inner conflicts. The most common one is another character, who can either be similar or opposite to your character in some aspects. For example, you can use a friend, a rival, a mentor, a lover, or an antagonist as a mirror for your character. Another type of mirror is a situation, such as a dilemma, a challenge, a choice, or a consequence that forces your character to confront their inner conflicts. A third type of mirror is an object, such as a mirror itself, a painting, a letter, a weapon, or a symbol that represents your character's inner conflicts.

3 How to use contrast as a mirror technique?

One way to use the mirror technique is to create contrast between your character and the mirror. This can highlight your character's inner conflicts by showing how they differ from the mirror in terms of values, beliefs, actions, or outcomes. For example, if your character is a coward who wants to be brave, you can use a courageous character, a dangerous situation, or a medal as a mirror that contrasts their inner conflict. You can also use contrast to show how your character changes or fails to change over the course of the story, by comparing them to the mirror at different points.

4 How to use comparison as a mirror technique?

Another way to use the mirror technique is to create comparison between your character and the mirror. This can highlight your character's inner conflicts by showing how they are similar to the mirror in some aspects, but different in others. For example, if your character is a liar who wants to be honest, you can use a truthful character, a confession situation, or a lie detector as a mirror that compares their inner conflict. You can also use comparison to show how your character relates or fails to relate to the mirror, by showing their reactions, interactions, or emotions.

5 How to use symbolism as a mirror technique?

A third way to use the mirror technique is to create symbolism between your character and the mirror. This can highlight your character's inner conflicts by using the mirror as a metaphor, an allegory, or a foreshadowing of your character's emotions, motivations, or dilemmas. For example, if your character is a rebel who wants to belong, you can use a flag, a uniform, or a tattoo as a mirror that symbolizes their inner conflict. You can also use symbolism to show how your character interprets or misinterprets the mirror, by using imagery, language, or tone.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?