So, after my dad's death I stopped work on my other story to write one where artificially conscious robots are being released to the world for the first time ever, in a trial run (because the main character in this story doesn't technically kill her dad at the start). It focuses on a young woman named Megan who wins a contest for one of the first 200 robots in a raffle, and takes him home.
Now the robot is what is called the TR model (Tabula Rasa, Blank Slate), so, outside his safeguards (the three laws and other measures to ensure he doesn't crash on watching the news or go on a rampage or something) and the dictionary in his memory he has no preconceived notions about the world.
Now, here's the question, how do I develop the robot, Tim, from a blank slate to the still somewhat ignorant, but much smarter and rather kindhearted character who helps Megan find the love of her life in about six months story time? For reference, his "owner", Megan doesn't wish to force her own beliefs on him, but will share them if asked. I already know how Megan and Fleur (said love of her life) will end up together, but I'm just not sure how best to develop Tim throughout the story outside one or two key aspects, and I'm hoping you guys can help.
Some scenes to help with development:
To show just how much of a blank slate he is, he has to be told why he needs to wear a seatbelt when he first rides in Megan's car among other things
A major obstacle to the romance is that Tim prefers to stay out of the way to make Fleur more comfortable, as she seems uncomfortable around him, and she thinks that he keeps his distance from her because he doesn't like her and wants to protect Megan from her, until later...
...When Megan's dad dies, Tim thinks he's not well equipped to provide her the comfort and support she needs, so he calls Fleur (a friend, at this point) to come by and help her in his stead.
(Also, I admit when I saw how the names could be interpreted symbolically (Fleur: flower: life: natural, Tim: tin: metal: artificial), I ran with it)
So, after my dad's death I stopped work on my other story to write one where artificially conscious robots are being released to the world for the first time ever, in a trial run (because the main character in this story doesn't technically kill her dad at the start). It focuses on a young woman named Megan who wins a contest for one of the first 200 robots in a raffle, and takes him home.
Now the robot is what is called the TR model (Tabula Rasa, Blank Slate), so, outside his safeguards (the three laws and other measures to ensure he doesn't crash on watching the news or go on a rampage or something) and the dictionary in his memory he has no preconceived notions about the world.
Now, here's the question, how do I develop the robot, Tim, from a blank slate to the still somewhat ignorant, but much smarter and rather kindhearted character who helps Megan find the love of her life in about six months story time? For reference, his "owner", Megan doesn't wish to force her own beliefs on him, but will share them if asked. I already know how Megan and Fleur (said love of her life) will end up together, but I'm just not sure how best to develop Tim throughout the story outside one or two key aspects, and I'm hoping you guys can help.
Some scenes to help with development:
To show just how much of a blank slate he is, he has to be told why he needs to wear a seatbelt when he first rides in Megan's car among other things
A major obstacle to the romance is that Tim prefers to stay out of the way to make Fleur more comfortable, as she seems uncomfortable around him, and she thinks that he keeps his distance from her because he doesn't like her and wants to protect Megan from her, until later...
...When Megan's dad dies, Tim thinks he's not well equipped to provide her the comfort and support she needs, so he calls Fleur (a friend, at this point) to come by and help her in his stead.
(Also, I admit when I saw how the names could be interpreted symbolically (Fleur: flower: life: natural, Tim: tin: metal: artificial), I ran with it)
My troper wall