BWFoster78
Myth Weaver
You've all probably heard the old adage that goes something like: If you have a shotgun in the first scene, you need to use it in the last. And, if you use a shotgun in the last scene, it needs to appear in the first.
There are ways, however, to emphasize or minimize the appearance of said shotgun.
If you mention it in passing as a setting detail, putting up a signpost that can be easily overlooked if you will, the reader is likely to forget about it. If you go on about it and connect the character's emotions to it, sorta like putting up a huge billboard with flashing lights, it will stand out in the reader's memory.
The question is:
What is the author's responsibility when it comes to laying the foundation for plot developments, character actions, etc.?
There are ways, however, to emphasize or minimize the appearance of said shotgun.
If you mention it in passing as a setting detail, putting up a signpost that can be easily overlooked if you will, the reader is likely to forget about it. If you go on about it and connect the character's emotions to it, sorta like putting up a huge billboard with flashing lights, it will stand out in the reader's memory.
The question is:
What is the author's responsibility when it comes to laying the foundation for plot developments, character actions, etc.?