To emotionally develop a character in a novel really well and get people to care for them, then kill them? Would people still read the novel because one of their favorite characters died? Or would that surprise them and would they like that feeling of sadness and what will happen next? I have a great character in my mind and he won't be the main main character, but sometimes we'll see his point of view and I want people to really get attatched to this character because you have to to understand this character. Or should I keep him alive and if he goes over well (saying that it gets published, which is unlikely, but still possible) and write a second book about him and leave his future unknown? What would you prefer?
2007-09-03 13:22:14 · 7 answers · asked by Tropical Kiwi 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Yes it is absolutely fair. An author generally has a plot in mind as they are working on the book. It is good to develop a character so that readers care when they die. That is the idea of it. In the case of a series, I would consider it a good idea to kill off your lead character at the end because you risk someone else picking that character up and continuing it. Roger Zelazney died before finishing all the Amber books he intended to write and now someone else does them - not half as well. I would have preferred he killed Merlin off and ended them.
If you become that emotionally attached to a character, the author is doing their job. And authors do not generally kill characters haphazardly. Every death generally has a purpose and pushes the plot forward. If an author is just killing for the sake of killing, stop reading the books. Pax- C
2007-09-03 14:15:59 · answer #1 · answered by Persiphone_Hellecat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd continue reading the book, even though a favorite character died. But, if you write this character so that the reader becomes emotionally attached, wouldn't it be wise to keep him alive? Or at least leave an opening for him to return in a sequel. Aside from the writing, that's just good business. Never burn a bridge that you may want to access again.
2007-09-03 20:34:30 · answer #2 · answered by Tara 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
death is part of life and something, even readers, need to deal with...if all your characters are placed in dangerous situations and don't die, it cuts away at how much the story can mean...if only the bad guys die, the good guys are infallible and everyone else a clumsy moron...death happens and it adds more to the story for the reader to invest in...if the reader can't handle it, too bad...it's part of the story and most would keep going.
2007-09-03 20:52:13 · answer #3 · answered by madison 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If that characters death is important to the plot than it is fair to the reader. Unless it's your only interesting character, in which case you might want to keep them around.
2007-09-03 20:37:51 · answer #4 · answered by Dan A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sure, it's sad, but it's not unfair or anything! some of the best books of all time have had brilliant, good-hearted, well developed characters end up dying. sometimes i think it even makes a better book. do whatever you want to make your story what you want it to be.
2007-09-03 21:12:38 · answer #5 · answered by Tomboy with girly tendencies 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people would keep reading.
2007-09-03 20:27:11 · answer #6 · answered by Monkeymoo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
'ID CONTINUE READING BUT THAT'S JUST ME
2007-09-03 20:25:32 · answer #7 · answered by Atomic Dolphin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋