Protag told to show up 30 minutes later than the group had originally planned. She shows up on time (correctly) suspecting she’s the only one told to come in later and catches all her coworkers talking about how to deal with (put up with) her.
Does she ignore it? Give some snappy line? (Suggestions?)
She is stuck with these people for the present.
Is she more offended that they are all talking about her, or are they more offended that she didn't "trust" them?
Protag is very strong. There's a mixture of personality strengths in the group.
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“I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions.” -- James Michener
53,318 / 50,000
Okt 19, 2007 - 15 35
"Does she ignore it? Give some snappy line? (Suggestions?)"
Depends on her characteristics.
By strong, I'm going to assume confident, stick-up-for-herself kind of gal... so I'd go with the snarky comment.
As for that comment.... there's the classic, "well, don't let me interrupt you."
It's pretty overused, but it works well. Especially great if she just stands there and folds her arms, looking expectant. Then everyone can just look at each other, unsure of what to do. Then depending on her character.. you can either have her sit down with the group, ready to move forward with the original meeting, or walk out calmly.... after another snarky comment about their silence.
Is she more offended that they are all talking about her, or are they more offended that she didn't "trust" them?
When you say "she didn't trust them".... are you implying that they're going to protect themselves and say they *weren't* talking about her? Because it's a little tough to do that when she's just walked in on them, so... I'd say she definitely has the upper hand of being offended here. Unless they're bitching about her for good reason.
----------Christina
Founder of EEEW.
All we can do is keep breathing...
9,477 / 50,000
Okt 19, 2007 - 16 48
I guess I meant, can the group try to bluff out of it, and act all hurt that she distrusted them enough to come early.
Is that too far-fetched?
----------“I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions.” -- James Michener
50,021 / 50,000
Okt 19, 2007 - 17 26
I don't think distrust would be too far-fetched... in fact, I think it's kind of natural for people to automatically get defensive, even if they don't have a defense. I think she, and they, could be highly offended. It would probably give you a lot to work with!
----------Instead of fear of failure, maybe we'd do better to fear the death of dreaming.
53,318 / 50,000
Okt 19, 2007 - 17 35
I guess it depends on how long she's been standing there, listening to them ramble about her, before they realise she's there.
If it's a while, and they try to play the mistrust card, then she can start relaying the things they've said about her and instantly shut them down.
If they notice her the second she walks in, then they probably could work the mistrust card a little better... "oh, we're not talking about you. We were talking about... Joan, yes..... Joan...." but there's still the issue of why they lied to her about the time, which they'll need an explanation for, and I doubt any of them will come up with a reasonable lie so fast. In which case... Protag still has reason to be offended. I mean, really. Why are *they* all there, then, if they weren't meant to meet for another half hour? They really can't win.
----------Christina
Founder of EEEW.
All we can do is keep breathing...
53,318 / 50,000
Okt 19, 2007 - 17 38
Oh, I forgot to add. Depending on the other types of personalities you have within the group.... if you have a blunt, straight-to-the-point character, she/he may just admit to the bitching, much to the other characters' disapproval.
----------Christina
Founder of EEEW.
All we can do is keep breathing...