The Makings of a Good Character – Point of View – Belief

Point of view shades and colours the way we see the world.

Have you ever heard or reacted to phrases like: “Life is unfair,” “You can’t fight City Hall,” “ All life is a game of chance,” “ You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”?   These are all points of view. –  Syd Field – The Screen Writer’s Workbook.

As Carl Jung said, physical reality is just one kind of reality.  In this respect, if someone holds a belief (however possible of physical manifestation) then that belief  it is as real as anything else.

Character POV is that belief.

Your character’s point of view may be that the indiscriminate slaughtering of dolphins and whales is morally wrong because they are two of the most intelligent species on the planet, maybe smarter than men. Your character supports that point of view by participating in demonstrations and wearing T-shirts with Save the whales and dolphins on them. That’s an aspect of characterization. Syd Field – The Screen Writer’s Workbook.

Although there are many astrological aspects contributing to one’s POV, I suggest that the most powerful and accessible is through Jupiter.

Jupiter is our personal connection with the “divine plan”. – Liz Greene

Jupiter is the fire that connects you to the larger picture. – Darby Costello

Jupiter is the desire to view facts and events within a wider framework. – Karen Hamaker-Zondag

• Jupiter in Aries – is on a crusade – save the world – save the whales – save everything – beliefs are passionate and held with such courage and conviction that it’s virtually impossible to persuade them elsewise.  You’re likely to find this character marching through the streets with placards or making a fiery speech in favour of Occupy Wall Street.  “I can and will fight city hall.”
• Jupiter in Taurus – trusts in the beauty and abundance of the material world– especially when hard work and personal enterprise are concerned – good with finances – beliefs are unadventurous and must lead to tangible results – you may find this character a successful homemaker or helping start up businesses or organizing fundraisers for an art gallery or opera house.  “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.”
• Jupiter in Gemini – believes in the power of words and ideas – the only problem is that while gathering the evidence to support his beliefs, he has a tendency to get distracted.  Beliefs are aimed at furthering connections or  imparting information.  You’re likely to find this character as a stand-up comedian or award winning journalist or even a blogger who has an opinion on everything.  Beliefs tend to be idealistic and not necessarily intended to be realised.  “You won’t believe this one.“
• Jupiter in Cancer – believes in history and tradition.  Beliefs are aimed at preserving the family unit – giving help to those within the ‘extended family’ and receiving help in return.  The emphasis is on closeness – the shared experience.  This character is likely to be found in the caring professions – nursing, social work, or a family court judge.  Equally she may be a chef or even a nun. “Have some more – it’s good for you.”
• Jupiter in Leo – is pulled toward anything that brings joy and meaning to others as well as to self – beliefs likely have a philanthropic bent – they aim to bring out the best in everyone – especially self.  You’re likely to find this character running a charity or campaigning for better schools in his neighbourhood or even selling ice cream at the sea shore. “Give and you shall receive.”
• Jupiter in Virgo – concentrates on the little things – believes reward is not to be found in the big picture, but in the detail.  Beliefs tend to be reduced to a sense of duty, which must not be shirked.  You’re likely to find this character as the tiresome civil servant or tax collector who leaves no stone unturned.  Equally this character may an overseas relief worker or missionary schoolteacher.  “Take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves.”
• Jupiter in Libra – is polite and politically correct – beliefs tend toward that which will bring beauty, justice, and harmony – the focus is the other – never on the self.  You’re likely to find this character as the wise judge, the diplomat smoothing over troubled waters in order to avoid war, or as a reformer advocating social improvements to bring some modicum of fairness to a world that is (regrettably) inherently unfair.  “There are two sides to every story.”
• Jupiter in Scorpio – has an extraordinary depth of understanding of human nature which (sadly) may not always be used to the best ends – beliefs tend toward anything that gets to the bottom of things. Yet this character is likely to be very secretive and unwilling to share.  Thus this character will likely be found in solitary pursuits such as research or detective work or even as a psychologist or occultist.  “There’s always more than meets the eye.”
• Jupiter in Sagittarius – is philosophic and idealistic – believes in man’s ability to move mountains through faith and hope – vision, trust, and intuition are the keys to a better life. You’re as likely to find this character in the hallowed halls of academia, a noted author, or a highly revered spiritual leader.  “Tomorrow- tomorrow – there’s always tomorrow.”
• Jupiter in Capricorn – is constrained and conservative – beliefs (which tend to be dogmatic) must incorporate goals that aim toward achievement of something ‘real’ and of lasting worth.   Because of the always present need for maintaining social position and garnering respect, this character is likely to be highly visible in the business community or politics or church.  “Nothing a little elbow grease won’t fix.”
• Jupiter in Aquarius – is focused on understanding through logic and science – beliefs (which are almost always dogmatic) are naturally idealistic and forward thinking – and usually aimed at improving humanity.  You’re likely to find this character as a political reformer, scientist, or mathematician.  He is the consummate absent minded professor or zanny individualist.  “There must be a better way.”
• Jupiter in Pisces – has a penchant for spirituality and is easily influenced by dogma and piety.   Beliefs tend toward the expansion of universal values – peace on earth – good will toward men – compassion for those less fortunate – turn the other cheek.   They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions and this might be the by-word for a character with this placement.  She is likely to be found as a healer, psychic, well-meaning campaigner for the poor. Belief system may be hazy – hard to pin down much less exemplify.  “Please, let me help you.”