Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors by Brandilyn Collins

thought, “if misfortune should occur to you, I would ascend the highest point of the Cape de Morgion and cast myself headlong from it.”
Fernand became deadly pale. “But you are deceived, Edmond,” she continued. “You have no enemy here—there is no one but Fernand, my brother, who will grasp your hand as a devoted friend.”
And at these words the young girl fixed her imperious look on the Catalan, who, as if fascinated by it, came slowly towards Edmond, and offered him his hand. His hatred, like a powerless though furious wave, was broken against the strong ascendancy which Mercedes exercised over him. Scarcely, however, had he touched Edmond’s hand than he felt he had done all he could do, and rushed hastily out of the house.
     
    Exploration Points
     
    1. How do Mercedes’ and Fernand’s initial Action Objectives prompt their responses throughout the scene?
     
    Mercedes approaches this scene with a very strong Action Objective. She will not be swayed in convincing Fernand that she loves another. Apparently, from her demeanor, she’s had to deal with his persistence many times and has grown tired of it. Unfortunately for her, Fernand’s Action Objective is just as strong.
    First Fernand brings up the subject of a wedding. Mercedes’s Action Objective immediately becomes: “To cut this conversation short.” Response: She calls him stupid for even asking again. Fernand amends his Action Objective slightly so that it becomes: “To use various forms of argument to change Mercedes’s mind.” He tries guilt, saying that Mercedes’ mother approved of their marriage and that Mercedes is making him miserable by refusing him. Mercedes refuses the guilt. Then Fernand alleges that she is disobeying a sacred law by not marrying him. Mercedes says it is not a law but merely a custom. Then she turns the tables on him, saying in effect that he is bound by the law, for he is a soldier and could be called to battle any moment. Then, if she were his wife, what would become of her? She is too poor to be of financial help to him. Fernand responds that her poverty doesn’t matter. Here, Mercedes reminds him of her ultimate reason—she loves another man. Fernand tries guilt once more—”instead of the costume of our fathers, which you despise, I will wear a varnished hat …”
    Fernand’s Action Objective now becomes: “To persuade Mercedes that Edmond will not return to her, because of either inconstancy or death at sea.” Mercedes new Action Objective: “To defend Edmond.” When Fernand asks her “final determination,” she declares her ultimate response—”None but Edmond shall ever be my husband.” Fernand challenges her. What if Edmond is indeed dead or has forgotten her?
    When Edmond Dantes unexpectedly appears and asks who Fernand is, Mercedes’s Action Objective is twofold: “To set Edmond’s mind at rest by declaring my love for him, and to pave the way for him and Fernand to be friends.” Fernand’s Action Objective: “To hold myself together in the sudden presence of my enemy.” Unfortunately for Fernand, he cannot bring himself to be cordial, and his mere countenance makes Edmond realize he is an enemy. Mercedes’s Action Objective: “To prove to Edmond that her love for him is more important than her friendship love for Fernand—”If I believed that, I would place my arm under yours … leaving the house to return to it no more.”
    When Mercedes sees the pure hatred in Fernand’s eyes, a new Action Objective arises: “To protect Edmond.” She declares that if misfortune occurred to Edmond, she would kill herself. Then she exerts her power over Fernand to make him take Edmond’s hand in friendship. Fernand’s Action Objective: “To protect whatever relationship I have left with Mercedes.” Response: he forces himself to take Edmond’s hand.
     
    2. From Fernand’s point of view, this scene is so powerful that it works almost like a mini-novel, incorporating all the Four Ds.