If you ever watch 1960 sitcoms you may notice some television characters have theme music that plays when they enter a scene. For example, in The Beverly Hillbillies (a comedy classic) whenever the beautiful Ellie May Clampett enters the room a light, almost angelic melody is played. In other series, somber or dramatic music plays when the villain appears. You can guess they are bad before they even speak. When the cello music from the movie Jaws plays you know that shark is coming to eat someone.
Listening to music as you write can enrich your setting, characters, or their emotions. Listening to music as you read can pull you into the scene, creating a movie in your head. But how about a song that represents a character? Does certain music play in your head when the hero or villain enters the room? Think about some of your favorite book characters. What would their theme song be? What music captures their personality or struggle?
If your book was turned into a movie and you were the director what music would you choose to set the mood of each scene? What if you gave the main characters theme songs?
Growing up, I watched a lot of T.V. reruns. I created an imaginary sitcom land in my mind. Sort of like Wandavision but much less dark. Now, when I write or re-read my stories, I listen to music that turns into my characters’ theme songs. When I wrote Sargon The Not So Great I listened to short, fast-paced music to set the mood for the running and fight scenes. Imagine Dragons was number one on my playlist. While Sargon fought dragons the song “Whatever It Takes” or “Friction” created the right tension for the scene. If Sargon turned and ran away (it’s not his fault, it’s his magic, really) I Iistened to or even hummed “Zero” in my head.
Not just my hero gets his own music. The villainous dragon Fyriun evokes “Stronger” by The Score as he swoops down on a defenseless medieval town. And if I need instrumental themes for characters I turn to Medieval sounding Celtic music or classical music. Sweeping, powerful music for heroic endeavors; sad, mournful dirges for those middle of the novel “need to change” moments.
When I plan my characters I use Youtube and look for music that reflects that character or their need. A character that is logical and thoughtful would have a different theme song than an emotion-led character. A song whose music or lyrics reflect that personality can help me create situations and dialogue to reveal the inner character to readers. If I get stuck, I listen to a character’s theme song and ask myself, why did I choose this particular song? What about its rhythm, tone, or lyrics, makes me identify this music with that character?
Picture your novel as a sitcom. What music would play when the hero of your story enters? How about the villain? Why? Does the song change as the story progresses? Would a changed character have a different theme song at the end of your book? How about a music video featuring your protagonist? What song would introduce them and their goal to the world? To get some ideas look up all the music videos that fans create using their favorite Marvel superheroes (I love “Friction” with Captain America and the Winter Soldier).
Let’s practice. Read The Loatron in the Woods parts 1 and 2 while listening to “Believer” by Imagine Dragons. Dunstan may be studying to become a monk, but I don’t think Gregorian Chants are his vibe in this adventure. Did I get his theme song right?
Which movie or television characters have you spotted that have a theme song? Does it add to your enjoyment of the show? Have you tried it with books? What are the best theme songs for your favorite book characters? For the characters you’re writing? Music is a powerful tool to influence viewers. Why not see what it can do for your stories as well?