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drpaladin

drpaladin 109,493
Zorro

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It's far too early in the morning to even think about strength.

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Bill W

Bill W 61,929
Inspired

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"Strength" originates from the Old English strengbu or strengd, meaning bodily power, vigor, or force.  It stems from the Proto-Germanic strangtho, derived from strangaz (strong, tight) and is related to Old High German strengida and German Strenge (severity/rigidity).  It is ultimately rooted in the Proto-Indo-European strenk-, meaning "tight, narrow" or "stiff" and shares a root with "string" and "strong", denoting inherent power, endurance, and tension.  It shifted from Old English usage to Middle English strengthe, and it originally meant bodily power, force, or moral firmness.  The word was historically used not only for physical power but also for the intensity of smells or the severity of events.  The abstract suffix "-th" connects it to words like length/long. 

According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the noun "strength" has been used in English since the Old English period (pre-1150) and can be found in texts from as early as the 8th century (as strengbu).  The verb form "strength" (meaning to make strong) appears later, with the earliest evidence around 1200 in the West Saxon Gospels: Luke.  An obsolete form, with evidence dating to before 1175, appears in the Cotton Homilies.  The verb form strengthen, now the standard verb, is first recorded in the OED in 1450.   An obsolete verb formed with a prefix, enstrength, was recorded in 1483. 

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Bill W

Bill W 61,929
Inspired

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Character strength -- referring to the positive qualities, virtues, and capabilities of a character, rather than just their physical powers -- is foundational to engaginging storytelling.  It shapes the plot, enables emotional connection with readers, and drives the narrative arc. 

The importance of character strength in storytelling include:
Driving the Plot and Conflict:  
Active vs. Passive: Strong characters drive the story, rather than being driven by it. They act on the world, pursuing goals, overcoming obstacles, and making decisions that dictate the story's trajectory. 
Overcoming Obstacles: A character’s strengths (e.g., persistence, bravery, intelligence) are the tools they use to tackle inner and outer challenges, allowing them to prevail in "save the cat" scenarios. 
Creating Tension: Well-defined strengths and virtues often clash with the world, creating suspenseful and emotional situations. 

Building Reader Engagement and Empathy: 
Relatability and Inspiration: Readers often connect with characters who possess admirable traits (like honesty or empathy) and strive to overcome their own limitations. 
"Love to Hate" Potential: Strengths can also be used by antagonists, making them complex and, therefore, more engaging to read.  Making Readers Care: A character's internal life, motivated by their values and desires, hooks readers and makes them care about the outcome of the plot. 

Enhancing Character Depth and Realism:  
3D Characterization: A balanced combination of strengths and flaws makes characters feel like real, complex people rather than caricatures or "cardboard cutouts".  
Intertwined with Flaws: Often, strengths and flaws are two sides of the same coin (e.g., bravery tipping into recklessness), which adds significant depth to a character's actions.
Unique Identity: Distinct character strengths contribute to a unique, memorable, and "non-formulaic" personality that stands out from the crowd. 

Enabling Character Growth:
The Character Arc: The contrast between a character's starting point and their final state depends on their journey toward developing more "mature" strengths or finding better ways to utilize them. 
Transformative Potential: The "rock tumbler" effect, where plot challenges polish a character, relies on them having the potential for change and growth through their struggles. 

Examples of Character Strengths:
Common strengths that make characters memorable and effective include Courage (bravery, persistence), Humanity (kindness, empathy), Justice (fairness, leadership), Temperance (forgiveness, humility), and Wisdom (creativity, curiosity). 
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