Law #33: Discover Each Man’s Thumbscrew — A Writer's Guide

The thirty-third law in The 48 Laws of Power, "Discover each man’s thumbscrew," is about finding the vulnerabilities, desires, or motivations that influence people’s actions. For writers, this principle has two powerful applications: crafting compelling characters and deeply connecting with your audience. Understanding the driving forces behind people’s decisions allows you to create authentic narratives and engage readers on a profound level.

Here’s how to apply this law to your writing craft and career.

Unveiling the Thumbscrews of Characters

Memorable characters are driven by relatable motivations and vulnerabilities. Finding these "thumbscrews" brings depth and realism to your storytelling.

1. Identify Core Desires:

• Every character has something they want—love, power, freedom, validation. This desire drives their actions.

• Example: Jay Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of Daisy in The Great Gatsby stems from his need for love and validation.

• Application: Ask yourself what your characters want most and how far they’re willing to go to achieve it.

2. Explore Fears and Weaknesses:

• Vulnerabilities make characters relatable and create tension.

• Example: Frodo Baggins’ fear of the Ring’s corruption adds stakes to his journey in The Lord of the Rings.

• Application: Develop your characters’ weaknesses and show how they struggle to overcome them.

3. Create Internal Conflicts:

• Complex characters wrestle with conflicting desires or beliefs.

• Example: Walter White in Breaking Bad struggles between his desire to provide for his family and his growing thirst for power.

• Application: Identify internal contradictions within your characters and let these conflicts shape their arcs.

Understanding Your Audience’s Thumbscrews

To captivate readers, you need to understand their desires, fears, and motivations. This helps you craft stories that resonate and build a loyal following.

1. Tap Into Universal Emotions:

• Themes like love, loss, ambition, and redemption are universally resonant.

• Example: Nicholas Sparks’ novels often explore love and heartbreak, connecting with readers on an emotional level.

• Application: Use universal themes as a foundation for your stories, tailoring them to your unique voice.

2. Address Specific Audience Needs:

• Different demographics have distinct preferences and pain points.

• Example: Young adult readers often seek stories about identity and self-discovery, while thriller fans crave tension and resolution.

• Application: Research your target audience to understand what they value in a story and deliver on those expectations.

3. Create Relatable Characters:

• Readers invest in characters they see themselves in or aspire to be.

• Example: Katniss Everdeen’s courage and resourcefulness in The Hunger Games make her a relatable and inspiring protagonist.

• Application: Develop characters with flaws, strengths, and motivations that reflect your audience’s experiences and aspirations.

Using Thumbscrews to Build Conflict

Conflict arises when desires and vulnerabilities collide. By exploiting characters’ thumbscrews, you can create gripping tension and high stakes.

1. Pit Desires Against Each Other:

• Force characters to choose between competing goals or values.

• Example: In Game of Thrones, Tyrion Lannister often has to navigate loyalty to his family versus his personal sense of justice.

• Application: Identify opposing forces in your characters’ lives and let them clash.

2. Exploit Vulnerabilities:

• Use characters’ weaknesses to heighten tension and stakes.

• Example: In Othello, Iago manipulates Othello’s insecurities about Desdemona’s fidelity, leading to tragedy.

• Application: Introduce antagonists or situations that exploit your characters’ deepest fears.

3. Introduce Moral Dilemmas:

• Put characters in situations where every choice comes with a cost.

• Example: In The Road by Cormac McCarthy, the father must constantly choose between protecting his son and maintaining his humanity.

• Application: Craft scenarios where characters must sacrifice something they value, increasing emotional weight.

Building Relationships with Readers

Understanding what motivates your audience can also strengthen your connection with them, fostering trust and loyalty.

1. Engage Through Emotion:

• Emotional resonance is key to reader engagement.

• Example: Authors who write heartfelt acknowledgments or share personal stories connect deeply with readers.

• Application: Share parts of your journey that align with the themes of your work, creating an emotional bond.

2. Tailor Marketing Strategies:

• Frame your promotions around what your audience values.

• Example: If your readers love exclusivity, offer limited-edition signed copies or early access to your work.

• Application: Highlight aspects of your book that fulfill your audience’s desires, such as escapism, intrigue, or inspiration.

3. Listen to Feedback:

• Understanding what readers love (or dislike) helps you improve and tailor your approach.

• Example: Many self-published authors use reader reviews to refine their series and increase audience satisfaction.

• Application: Encourage feedback and use it to deepen your understanding of your audience’s preferences.

Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls

While leveraging thumbscrews is effective, it’s important to avoid manipulation or exploitation.

• Don’t Exploit Real Pain:

  • Stories that trivialize sensitive topics can alienate readers.

  • Solution: Approach heavy themes with respect and research.

• Avoid Stereotypes:

  • Relying on clichéd motivations or vulnerabilities can feel lazy and uninspired.

  • Solution: Add depth and specificity to your characters and themes.

• Maintain Authenticity:

  • Trying too hard to cater to trends can dilute your voice.

  • Solution: Balance audience preferences with your unique perspective.

Conclusion: The Power of Understanding Motivations

Law #33, "Discover each man’s thumbscrew," reminds writers of the importance of understanding desires and vulnerabilities. By uncovering what drives your characters and audience, you can craft stories that resonate deeply and create lasting connections. When applied thoughtfully, this principle enhances the emotional impact of your work and strengthens your career as a storyteller.

In the next installment of this series, we’ll explore Law #34, "Be royal in your own fashion: Act like a king to be treated like one," and how cultivating confidence and authority can elevate your writing career. Stay tuned for more insights into The 48 Laws of Power for writers.