Ronald T.
Troubadour
I would like some input on this issue if you're willing to share your thoughts.
I've noticed that some people feel very strongly that a MC should have an altered outlook on life by the end of a story. In some cases that is probably what a reader is looking for. But to my mind, that is only true in certain types of stories. For the most part, I disagree with that sentiment.
Let me explain.
I read a book, or a book series, because I enjoy the MC and the various supporting characters. I have no desire for them to be someone different by the end of the story. Too often, when that happens, I'm not all that impressed with who they've become.
Just think about your favourite TV shows and movies. At the end of the episode or movie, don't you almost always find that the MCs are the same people they were when the story began. They usually have more information and a stronger experience base, but they're still the same person they always were. They don't vary from who they were, and that's because most people read about those characters, or continue to watch certain TV shows or movies because they like the MCs just as they are.
A handful of times, the writers of a TV show I enjoyed decided to be clever and change the MC dramatically. And in those few examples, I lost interest and stopped watching the show. It was no longer the show I found entertaining at the beginning.
Perhaps I'm a bit of an anomaly, but I want my MCs to be true to their nature. In other words, I have no desire to see a major character-arc shift in the MCs. Too often, it has the potential to ruin things for me.
But what do I know? I'm just a hermit in the woods.
As always, my best to you all.
-Ron-
I've noticed that some people feel very strongly that a MC should have an altered outlook on life by the end of a story. In some cases that is probably what a reader is looking for. But to my mind, that is only true in certain types of stories. For the most part, I disagree with that sentiment.
Let me explain.
I read a book, or a book series, because I enjoy the MC and the various supporting characters. I have no desire for them to be someone different by the end of the story. Too often, when that happens, I'm not all that impressed with who they've become.
Just think about your favourite TV shows and movies. At the end of the episode or movie, don't you almost always find that the MCs are the same people they were when the story began. They usually have more information and a stronger experience base, but they're still the same person they always were. They don't vary from who they were, and that's because most people read about those characters, or continue to watch certain TV shows or movies because they like the MCs just as they are.
A handful of times, the writers of a TV show I enjoyed decided to be clever and change the MC dramatically. And in those few examples, I lost interest and stopped watching the show. It was no longer the show I found entertaining at the beginning.
Perhaps I'm a bit of an anomaly, but I want my MCs to be true to their nature. In other words, I have no desire to see a major character-arc shift in the MCs. Too often, it has the potential to ruin things for me.
But what do I know? I'm just a hermit in the woods.
As always, my best to you all.
-Ron-