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Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Let's Kill A Character

I’m following a discussion on two different blogs, Tess Gerritsen, and Dear Author, about killing off main characters. It has happened so many times to me when reading books, since I was a child; I vowed never to kill off a major character in any book I wrote. Not being a fan of non-fiction, my reading is exclusively fiction. I never quite figured out why fiction authors assassinate a character or characters they’ve spent hundreds of pages, or many series books, building into a solid vision in their readers’ heads. I have read some authors’ reasoning, for this plot destruction, as their attempt at keeping it real. If you wish to keep it real, get a job in journalism. What the hell are you writing fiction for? :) I remember when my brother Paul, who read every manuscript I ever wrote, called me up after beginning Casserine. He said, ‘tell me right now you little prick, did you kill off any of your main characters? If you did, I ain’t reading the rest.’ I laughed, and asked him if he knew me at all. He said, ‘okay, just checking’.

Although fiction writers can do whatever they want with their work, I don’t get this infatuation with what I call the ‘Old Yeller’ syndrome; where you spend creative genius establishing a beloved character, only to snuff ‘em to keep it real. As a reader, if I want real, I’ll pick up the local newspaper. :)

8 comments:

Jordan Summers said...

I'm not fond of the device, but I do understand that occasionally it happens due to storyline development. I don't think many writers go into it for shock value.

BernardL said...

In a stand alone book, Jordan, it may be in the writer's head from the beginning. In a series, I don't get it. After reading the author's spoiler letter explaining her actions, she was afraid her series wouldn't be keeping real. I have a feeling after reading her fans' remarks, keeping it real is going to cost her. If I ever had a fan base so rabid about one or more of my characters, I'd kick off before they did. :)

raine said...

This is interesting, lol...
In a series I've been TRYING to work up, I AM considering killing off one of the main characters.
It's not for realism, really not just for shock value, and he isn't one of the MAIN main characters, and it's not really DEATH per se, since it's a paranormal, and...

There now, clear as mud. lmao!

Bernita said...

Maybe I'm chickenshit, but I don't care for killing them off either.
On the other hand, I enjoy killing off nasty types.

BernardL said...

You're a published author, Raine. I'm a hack writer, but a voracious reader. I've read many series, and get caught up in the MAIN characters from book to book. When the author kills off one of my favorite characters, I don't whine, write letters, or go into a fit of depression. I stop buying the author's books. If a best selling author gets two hundred letters of complete disgust, think how many thousands simply move on. When a writer, talented enough to make readers take fictional characters to heart, kill said characters, buckle up, cause it's going to be a bumpy ride. :)

BernardL said...

You're not chickenshit for not wanting to do it, Bernita. I feel the same way. I'm not killing off my imaginary friends for anybody. They might stop keeping me company at work. :)

Virginia Lady said...

I have to agree. I can't stand it when a character I've become fond of gets killed. Pisses me off. For that very reason I've never actually read or seen Old Yeller. I have enough sad crap in life, I don't need my entertainment to have it too.

BernardL said...

The only excuse I hate from a fiction writer is they were trying to 'keep it real', VL. Tell me you're sick of the character, or you feel like drop kicking your fan base, but don't assume to know how far I as a reader can suspend reality. I read all of Robert E. Howard's Conan the Barbarian books. I know how to suspend reality. :)