Date: December 06 2013 8:02 PM Title: Chapter 3 Character
Personally I would have organized this chapter differentely, but that is besides the point.
Anyways, I agree with some of the arguements you present here. except for one, and that is on the subject of Bios.
I personally feel that if a Bio chapter is a bonus chapter, and the author doesn't rely on the information presented in the bio than it is ok.
Also, creating a character bio in a story outline to use as reference is a great stratagy for creating a character.
Other than that one detail the rest of the chapter was extremely informative, and you should contact Asukafan about getting this moved to the writers tools section.
Author's Response:
Organization can be seen more as aesthetic rather than crucial. I think I presented my thoughts in a good manner, in which order would you have suggested?
Bonuses are fine, and with your logic, that as long as the author doesn't rely on them to be add-on's to their story, I agree, their okay. So often times on this site and others, it's often not the case.
I agree, author's should create Bio's, maybe even share them with their reader's at a later time, like you have said. They do provide authors with crucial information, without having to look up information they wrote in the past.
I'm glad the chapter was informative, hopefully accurate as well. My thoughts on things are opinions anyways. As for moving this to the writers tools section, I think an incomplete, still being written guide/thoughts, open to discussion. Would be losing a lot of its potential in doing so. Or was that a clever way for you to tell me to hurry and write more and finish this guide/thought?
Well thanks again for your thoughts.
[Report This]Date: December 06 2013 7:02 PM Title: Chapter 3 Character
In your opinion, is it completely 'wrong' to describe, or develope a charactor in such a way that they are preconceived to be a certain way. Then, you throw a curve-ball, and have them do something totally unexpected?
Like, for example....a devious young girl is very naughty, and is expected to squish that tiny bug-boy, and she instead carefully picks him up and gently places him inside her pocket and skips all the way home...
The unexpected 'twist', being just the thing to keep the reader guessing?
Or, is that concidered 'Playing God?'
Author's Response:
No that s a form of creating a misunderstanding to the reader. The readers are a participant in a story as well. In this case the misunderstanding is developed through the way the character acts, and so the readers starts making assumptions, then you reveal the truth, while keeping the character in, well character, to their personality. So yes, for god's sake, keep the reader guessing! So many authors tend to ignore breaking the fourth wall and interacting with the reader. Breaking the fourth wall, isn't just referencing your favorite show, or them realizing their in a story, it often involves, bringing the reader into the story by well, surprising them.
Now it would be playing god, if she squished several tiny bug boys before saving him without any real reason. Even in insanity one can find reason of course, but making that believable is up to the author.
Thanks for the discussion.