The Underdog

Neville is the ultimate underdog.

I've had quite a few story ideas bouncing around in my head lately. They aren't really fleshed out novels or anything, but they are ideas I would like to cultivate and think through. Stories I would like to slowly - and cautiously - begin, and see where they end up taking me.

Several of these ideas revolve around underdog characters. No, it's not a new genre by any stretch, but it's one that's always fascinated me. And honestly, doesn't it fascinate most of us? Didn't you secretly root for Neville Longbottom or Samwise Gamgee every once in awhile, just because you knew they would always live in the shadows of others? And when those people did something right, didn't you feel a giant wave of excitement. That's it! He proved himself! He'll be the popular one now! Or.... not.

Well, there are a few of these character types I'd like to explore. Some of them aren't even particular underdogs, they are just secondary characters I would like to take further. Archetypes I'd like to explore.

And then there's... Sam.

One author in particular made quite a living out of this mindset. Gregory Maguire has written a whole series of these books, and many people seem to like the story. To be honest, I tried to start Wicked and was instantly bored, which worries me about the fate of my tales. However, I don't aim to make such blatant statements as "Zombie Baby from Dawn of the Dead." I just want to explore some ideas. Maybe for me more than anyone else, I'm not sure.

Anyhoo, maybe I'll try it, maybe I'm just talking about it. But for some reason these ideas have been rattling my brain for a week or more, so I thought it's time everyone else should know too.

Maybe, I'll just write about myself as the underdog. Because, of course, I've got super powers hidden in this body somewhere, just waiting to bust out like confetti.

Braaaaiiiiinnnn Food: What kind of story would you write if given the chance?