Although Inspired by Grace is not JAFF, I have to say that Jane Austen
inspired all my writing (this book happens to have a loose Persuasion correlation). One
of my favorite things about Austen is her ability to create memorable
characters. Here is a quick video link
for you to watch a sketch that a comedy group called Studio C from BYU
created. The skit is called, “Teddy’s
Story Joint” and the idea is author’s come and order plots like it is a fast
food restaurant. My favorite is when
Jane Austen orders her “usual” which is “girl likes a guy, looks like she won’t
get the guy, but then she does. With a witty social critique on the side.” If you want to see the full sketch, click here
I had already finished writing Inspired by Grace when I was introduced
to the concept of TV tropes. I was really intrigued by this concept that there
could be repeated characterizations throughout TV and literature. So I tried to classify Grace Iverson, the
heroine of Inspired by Grace. I found that she fits two tropes; English
Rose and Spirited Young Lady. The English Rose trope is a character who is
virtuous and possess a certain amount of modest beauty. She is also dignified
in a social setting but may not be upper class, but acts like it. Jane Bennet is somewhat of an English
Rose. But Grace has some spunk to her
too that makes English Rose not entirely fitting. She has quite a bit of the Spirited Young
Lady trope too. I probably do not have
to define this one . . . if I just say Elizabeth Bennet then you will know what
I mean. She is intelligent, often
outdoorsy, witty and has a will of her own that prevents her from always
conforming.
