Persuading the Reader: A Story of Overcoming Adversity
As an author, your primary goal is to captivate and persuade your audience to believe in your narrative. This essay delves into a compelling story of adversity and resilience, focusing on techniques to make your reader feel the weight of the protagonist's situation and ultimately believe in the strength of their character.
The Set-Up for Persuasion
The foundation of a compelling story begins with a strong setup. In this instance, we explore the emotional turmoil and personal challenges faced by a sailor returning home after a harrowing deployment. The story is personal and powerful, evoking empathy and connection from the outset.
Escaping Harrowing Trial
"The story began a year before. I won't tell you that part as the most harrowing trial of my life. Instead, I'll share how I kept it together on the day of my return to America."
This introduction sets the tone for a narrative filled with tension and emotion, creating a natural transition to the main event—the protagonist's return to America. The reader is immediately drawn in by the hint of danger and the need for resilience.
The Return to America
The ship was docked normally at Pier 7, 32nd Street, Naval station, but it would occasionally move during local operations. We left ten days before Christmas 1988 from 32nd Street Naval station, San Diego, the second-largest US surface ship base of the United States Navy on the planet, home to multiple dozens of ships and over 100 tenant commands associated naval units.
Engaging the Senses
This description evokes vivid imagery, appealing to the reader's sense of place and history. The contrast between the ship's size (over 500 ft long and 50 ft wide) and the relatively empty state of the naval station adds weight to the protagonist's emotional state. The mention of women serving on tenders and oilers, while not combatant ships, highlights societal changes and the protagonist's unique experiences.
Emotional Impact
The protagonist's return is marked by the emotional reactions of the families who have been reunited with their loved ones. The tears, the hugs, and the joy contrast sharply with the protagonist's solitude, enhancing the reader's understanding of his emotional state.
"Crowds of tearful wives and children were hugging their fathers wearing their dress uniforms. Women held small children who had been born on deployment—which is why we had been gone for a year. Very young children who did not remember the man that left timidly held out their hands, hiding behind their mothers' best dress as the man they were told was their father squatted, freshly polished shoes contrasting with the seagull-shit encrusted concrete of the pier."
This scene is both relatable and emotionally resonant, prompting the reader to empathize with the protagonist's pain and sacrifice. The protagonist's solitary walk and the description of his wife's reaction afterwards deeply personalize the narrative, making the reader more likely to believe his story.
Personal and Emotional Storytelling
"My wife who had cheated on me during my Navy deployment, spending our money into debt, loaning her lover money he promised to pay back. She didn't pay the bills so that he could have steak dinners while I baked in the brilliant sun of the Middle East. She didn't meet me at the ship."
These details add a layer of betrayal and financial hardship, further deepening the protagonist's emotional journey. The contrast between the protagonist's sacrifice and his wife's selfish actions creates a narrative that is more than just a story—it is a reflection of real-life struggles and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
The Emotional Punch
"She looked up at me and said hi and then went back to her TV show. This was after she had shackled up with a guy in my house in my bed for months, spending every time I had which was going to her in an allotment for her to pay the bills which she didn't do, she gave the money to that guy, and before I came back, he took off, and I ended up with 8000 in bills in debt with no money in my wallet. I sold back multiple months of leave I had saved not even on a one-to-one basis because if you sell it back, you just get the money and you don't take the vacation."
By detailing this betrayal in such explicit terms, you engage the reader's emotions and create a deeply personal connection. This narrative structure not only makes the reader believe the story but also encourages them to support and empathize with the protagonist's journey toward recovery and resilience.
Conclusion: Belief Through Emotional Connection
The power of storytelling lies in its ability to make the reader feel. By weaving personal details, vivid descriptions, and emotional appeals, you can make your narrative compelling and believable. Sharing personal struggles and triumphs through heartfelt descriptions and detailed storytelling can help readers not only believe in your story but also find inspiration in your protagonist's journey.