On a tough decision, how would a character choose?

Question

Pardon the incorrect grammar. English is not my first language. Long post.

The context is this:

A man is delivering his dead friend's baby to its grandfather.

The old man hasn't seen his son in 10 years. Of course he would ask questions on the state of his beloved son.

I can see the friend's mind debating on two options:

1. Lie.

In a way of, "Oh, he went off to explore other places to pursue his dreams. He entrusted me his son to look for you myself."

Because he's thinking that handing over your friend's toddler to a grieving caretaker might not end well.

And he doesn't know the old man enough to know how he'll handle the kid when he's gone.

So, his reasoning would be that maybe, this old man wouldn't be as much in distraught if he just knew that his son is alive somewhere, but won't ever go home.

2. Tell the truth.

This poor father has been waiting for years on news of his beloved son. He deserves to be told the truth. Despite thinking that he could be jeopardizing the kid's life growing up because of the truth, he just hopes for the best.

I have trouble putting myself in a character's shoes. So I ask, what would most likely be this man's decision?

Attachments could be tossed to weigh in more weight to lie. As the dead man's friend, he would feel obligated to make sure the baby would be safe.

But, would the weight of guilt and a father's concern press more for the truth?

What would weigh a certain character to choose on such tough decisions such as this?

Answer 1

For your character, you have to consider the impacts of each decision, and his personality. If he doesn't really care about other people, and only cares about his own convenience, then he might lie, so he doesn't have to watch an old man cry.

To avoid pronoun confusion I'm going to give these people names: Father of the dead son is Allen, the dead son is Bob, the infant (Bob's child) is Charlie. Bob's companion, bringing the infant, is Dave.

If Dave does care about other people, like Allen and Charlie (which I guess Dave does or he would have dropped Charlie off at an orphanage rather than be burdened with this trip), then Dave will tell Allen all he knows.

It is sad news, but Allen will not then think Bob is an irresponsible jerk, out adventuring and saddling his own father with the care of an infant. Allen won't then resent Charlie.

Allen can stop wondering what happened to Bob, and embrace Charlie as a member of his family, in need. And when Charlie grows up, Allen can tell him whatever he deems fit. Maybe he wants the infant to grow up thinking Bob died a hero, or in an accident, so Charlie doesn't think Bob just abandoned him.

Charlie can be raised by Allen (his grandfather) knowing Allen is his grandfather, and a hero for taking over raising him. Even as a surrogate father, Allen and Charlie can form their own father-son love relationship.

I would write that. Dave does the tough thing and tells the truth. The grief will fade and heal. If Dave lies and Allen feels betrayed and exploited by Bob, the lie can ruin two lives.

You have to decide if Dave is the kind of selfish and self-centered person that would risk that, just to avoid an hour of discomfort in telling the truth.

Answer 2

Whatever Serves the Story:

You are the writer, and you know what you want the story to do. Does it follow the kid, grandpa, or the friend? How do you want your MC to feel, what do you want them to know? Either way, the character may be regretful, angry, at peace, or something completely different. What makes your story flow go where you want?

If you haven’t decided where the story is going, pick what will make the most drama. Does the friend stay with the grandpa distraught with loss to protect the kid? Does the kid grow up believing his father will return someday?

Either way, it’s your decision. Do what’s fun.

Answer 3

What is the worst choice he could make because it is the right thing to do?

You say have a hard time walking in the character's shoes, that usually means the character isn't defined enough. This question should help you define them. What is the worst thing the character could do for a good reason?