Ramblings of an Imaginative Author:

Why I love Transformation As A Plot Device

 

Imagine waking up one morning and turning into an animal. Let’s say, a squirrel. What would you do? Embrace the new look or panic and seek a cure? How would your family and loved ones react? Would you join up with your new squirrel buddies, or would they sense your human aura and run away? If they didn’t, would they accept you with your “tainted” human scent?

What about other matters like predators, traffic, and food? You can’t do human things anymore, it’s all natural, all the time. Would you last a day, or do you hate your human life so much that this would be the best thing to happen in all your life?

They’re questions to consider when and if this ever happens. Transformation has a lot of scientific complexity behind it, but it’s one of my favorite plot devices. The idea of seeing the world through the eyes of another creature and living their lives is a wonderful thought. I especially love it as a plot device.

Transformation has been a thing for a long time, but in modern times it’s very prevalent, mainly in cartoons. It’s special to me because of the idea of what it would be like to be an animal instead of a human. It’s something that in a world of animal and human relationships is something that would bring us closer together if we can get into their mind and see what they see, do what they do.

There’s a game series I play called Pokémon Mystery Dungeon. It’s about a world made up of Pokémon and the protagonist, who comes to this world as a Pokémon themselves, ends up living their life and doing the things they do. The series is one of those kinds where you either like it or you don’t, but what makes this series special for me is that it hits all the right notes about what I look for in a transformation story.

First, it’s the fact that there’s some level of animal communication. The transformed human is talking to animals as they would a human but simply understand animal language, if there is such a thing. But what if you couldn’t talk to your human friends anymore? Would they make the connection that you’re who you really are? If you have, say, a cat as your pet, would she recognize you? Could you talk to her and convince your pet you’re really human?

The other is that sense of a double life. You’re human, yet you became an animal and have to adjust to this new, insecure life. Predators will be after you, and if you’re not a predator, but one that can be domesticated, then you’ll be a pet as well. After all, if you can’t talk, humans won’t think for a moment you’re one of them.

And it’s always a small, cute animal, too. Never a big, nasty one like eagles or lions or anything that’s on the top of the food chain. Nope. You’re small, easily killed and not worth anything aside from keeping nature in check. But it’s not all bad. You have your animal buddies to help you. That is if they’ll help you at all. It’s a lot to think about, but it’s what I love about human to animal transformation. Just the realm of possibilities that is untapped by science.

If I could transform into any animal, I would want to be either a cat or a rabbit. Something simple. Both animals are carefree and calm (especially if my cat is anything to go by) and I’d rather have that sort of relaxing life. I understand that as a rabbit, I’m prone to predators, but I have a burrow, right?

Actually, my REAL choice would be a komodo dragon. I’m a huge lizard fan and if I was a komodo dragon, no one would mess with me. I’d rather be something that isn’t prone to constant danger than one that is. Plus, they’re pretty cool, almost like a mini Godzilla.

 

Anyway, that’s enough rambling for me. So what about you guys? If you could turn into any animal, what would it be? Do you like the idea of transforming into an animal? Do you think it could be possible someday? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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That’s all for today. Take care, and remember, the inn is always open.