MENTOR AND PROTÉGÉ
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Relationships are part of the very fabric of your character’s life. How well or poorly they get along with others oftentimes comes down to personality, so carefully consider the positive traits and negative traits of your story’s cast. Another factor that can pull characters together or create friction is motivation, so keep each individual’s goal—both at the scene and story level—in mind as you write.
DESCRIPTION:
RELATIONSHIP DYNAMICS:
A mentor taking a personal interest in their protégé
A mentor actively creating growth opportunities for the protégé—e.g., taking them to meetings and introducing them to other influencers
A mentor being open to learning from the protégé
A brilliant mentor who isn't necessarily good at teaching or dealing with people
A mentor jealously keeping the protégé to themselves
A mentor who doesn't want the protégé to move on (seeing them as a valuable resource rather than someone with potential) and doesn't do what is needed to grow them
A mentor viewing the protégé as an underling to do their busy work
Either party not like the other personally but respecting and admiring them for their expertise and abilities
A protégé recognizing what the mentor can provide and soaking up everything they can
A protégé seeing the relationship not just as one that benefits them but also looking for ways they can help the mentor
A protégé catching up with their mentor and growing past them in knowledge or ability
An overconfident protégé not being open to feedback from the mentor
A protégé seeking constant instruction, feedback, and affirmation from the mentor
An unwilling protégé who was pushed into the relationship (by parents, a court order, etc.), resulting in apathy or resentment
Either party being distracted by personal problems and not giving the relationship their all
CHALLENGES THAT COULD THREATEN THE STATUS QUO:
A personal crisis for either person that lessens the amount of time they can devote to the relationship
The protégé becoming cocky as they improve
The protégé discovering information that makes them think less of the mentor (they've stolen ideas, they're taking advantage of a vulnerable group to further their success, etc.)
The protégé starting a romantic relationship that distracts them