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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/47695
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

A story I am currently working on contains a scene where a figure with a certain character quite unexpectedly has a change of heart, and I am having difficulty finding a way of smoothing the transition.

## Detailed description

The transformation of the character (hereto referred to as A) could be represented as such:

1. A is cold, calculating, self-centered and has a strong sense of patriotic duty
2. A presumes B to be morally vile based on B's known actions
3. A confronts and interrogates B
4. B reveals true motives, which cast a different light on B's actions
5. A sympathises and decides to aid B in getting out of trouble
6. A is aware that only B benefits from this action and aiding B could have very serious consequences

This final action appears to go against all A's established character, but I believe A had become calculating and loyal to their profession as a result of experiencing hardships. The interrogation causes [cognitive dissonance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance) (or something along those lines), resulting in this change in character.

I am unsure as how to convey this information to the reader effectively.

EDIT: A intends to help B out, but then part ways later and hope their actions go unnoticed.

Original score: 10