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It is great when an author creates a vibrant world full of unique characters. However, when a reader feels like they have to draw a character map to keep track of who is who, something is wrong.
This week's Action/Adventure Newsletter is all about how much is too much...
Your guest-editor: kittiara |
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I've recently started the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin. Those who have not read the books may be familiar with the popular Game of Thrones series that is based upon them. So far, I have finished the first novel, and am into the second. They've made me aware of an issue that I think is important for authors to address.
You see, I really like the story. I love the detail. The author has an obvious talent, and has managed to create not just multidimensional characters, but a wonderful world full of action and adventure. I finished the first novel in three days, which is not bad considering its size. The problem is that, now that I am into the second novel, I am getting confused about who is who.
There are a lot of characters in the story. And when I say a lot, I mean a lot. I don't want to bore you if you haven't read the books, but without peeking, I am trying to recall the characters I am actually familiar with, so I will list them to make a point. There are the Starks – Ned, Catelyn, Jon Snow, Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran and Rickon. And their uncle. Then you have the Lannisters – Tyrion, Jamie, Cersei, Tywin, Joffrey, a sister, and a younger brother. There's Daenerys, her brother, her husband, her Knight, the blood brothers, and various servants. There are people at court. There's Catelyn's sister, who has a son, and Catelyn's uncle. That's only the tip of the iceberg, because I am missing out the Night Watch, the lords and family members of other houses, more servants, members of Tyrion's army, the wolves... I sort of familiarized myself with them, but when I got to the second novel, there were even more characters to get to know.
There are a great many names listed, and it's not always clear who is important and who isn't. For example, a minor character in book one has become a main character in book two, and I had to ponder for a while who it was that the writer was referring to. Which isn't good. Not since J. R. R. Tolkien's Silmarillion did I feel I might need to draw up a character map to keep track of everyone.
In my opinion, if you stop during a story and feel lost, something isn't right. With a beloved novel, or series, the reader may think that it's because they are not intelligent enough to keep track – after all, other readers don't seem to have the same problem – but in my opinion it's all down to how the characters, or a plot, or twists and turns in a tale are introduced.
There are many novels with a large host of characters. In-between book one and two of A Song of Ice and Fire I decided to read Magician by Raymond E. Feist. There are a good many characters in that, yet I never stumbled.
Too many, or too much, all at once, is not a good thing. The reader has to feel comfortable with everyone, before meeting new people. There has to be a natural progression, and a settling in period. This does not mean that a story has to be dumbed down – not in the least. It does mean that the author has to consider that whilst they know who everyone is, know them like the back of their hand, the reader doesn't. I think of it like a party. You wouldn't introduce a whole room of strangers to someone the moment they stepped through the door. You'd allow them to get to know a couple at first, let them have a chat, and then, throughout the night, they'd circulate.
It is a shame when a reader feels overwhelmed, especially when the offering is, otherwise, excellent. From reviews I have read, others have given up on the story. I will persevere. I want to know what happens to the few characters I have managed to become attached to.
Despite my determination, I'd like to ask of authors – please, be gentle with your audience. By all means, be intelligent. Be inventive. Give them the best you can possibly create. Just remember that they are new to your world and those who inhabit it. Give them time to acclimatize.
kittiara
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The Action/Adventure Team welcomes any and all questions, suggestions, thoughts and feedback, so please don't hesitate to write in!
jim1184  - Great topic. It might depend on how much your audience will take. It appears the majority want the romance at some point. You can only tease them for so long then it becomes pay up or lose them. You could do like George R.R. Martin and kill one or both off when things get sticky. I like unpredictable. I would like to see a female lead who really does not want or need anyone. That type of individual is most likely mentally unbalanced. Now that would be cool a heroine who is insane.
As you can tell from this newsletter, I am just exploring George R. R. Martin's work, and yes, he is brave in the way he handles his characters!
I agree with you about the kind of female lead you describe. Would be interesting!
~~~
Matt Bird MSci (Hons) AMRSC - The worst thing is when in the heat of the action, with the baddies setting off explosions and firing guns, the hero decides to take the plunge and have a full on kiss with the female. Whenever this happens I'm like "kiss later! That bomb's only got 10 seconds on it!"
 Yes, I know exactly what you mean!
~~~
Jeff  - I recently read an article about Alison Bechdel's test to identify gender bias in fiction. The test only has three requirements: (1) at least two women in the story, (2) who talk to each other, (3) about something besides a man. I've been following a fascinating debate on The Bechdel Test and its validity... but it's definitely food for thought as a lot of popular fictional stories - even ones with supposedly strong female characters - fail this basic test. Thanks for the thought-provoking newsletter!
Oooh, I will have to look into that, thank you! It sounds very interesting and, unfortunately, true!
~~~
percy goodfellow  - Kittiara,
I think the female character in Girl in the Dragon tattoo was originally meant to be a supporting character and ended up stealing the show.
percy
Hi Percy! I will have to read that one, thanks. Sounds good!
~~~
Tileira - I do get tired of every tv series with a man and woman partnership doing the "will-they-won't-they thing". They always "do", not that it's done badly, but because you can see it coming for so long there's not much enjoyment in it for me. I find myself waiting for the moment to pass so we can get back to the plot of the episode. I feel differently about written fiction, but possibly because the stories are more contained and the romance doesn't drag on.
I find myself tempted to have that kind of romance develop between two men. I'm amused by the constant doubt in both the audience and recipient (whether one is really seeing what they think they're seeing or whether it's their imagination).
Yes, most of the time I just want them to get it over with as well, so I know exactly what you mean!
And yes, why not? Considering "straight" relationships are still the norm in most novels and shows, it would be very interesting to have that different approach to "will-they-won't-they".
~~~
Wishing you a week filled with inspiration,
The Action/Adventure Newsletter Team and me, your guest-editor for this week.
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Action/Adventure: July 17, 2013 Issue [#5788]
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