Evemor
Registered user
Registered: 02-2012
Posts: 3
Karma: 0 (+0/-0)
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Describing Characters
I was arguing with a friend the other day on where it is okay to describe a character in a novel. In my experience, I got a clearer picture when someone is only vaguely described. Reading tWoT, I couldn't see most of the characters in my mind. Whereas reading Ender's Game, my imagination filled in the large gaps and it was like watching a movie. I loved both works equally, just imagining one was harder than the other. So I said, "When it's necessary for the plot, then you describe a character."
My friend didn't agree with me at all. He thought that a character NEEDED to be described as soon as they were needed.
So I ask you: What do you think? Who's right?
(Applying to a fantasy novel, which is better?)
Last edited by Evemor, 2/9/2012, 7:14 pm
|
|
2/9/2012, 7:12 pm
|
Link to this post
Email Evemor
PM Evemor
Blog
|
bvr
Head Administrator
Registered: 07-2004
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 (+0/-0)
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Describing Characters
After reading the Harry Potter series years ago, I liked how JK described Dumbledore at the beginning, then went on about Harry and his hair that kept growing back, and of course Hagrid. In my opinion, if your going to describe in detail, make sure you do a good job of it. Characters in a book like Harry Potter its a good idea to describe alot of detail because its a whole new world than what we are used to  /
--- Nano 2010 word count:
0/50,000
My Writing Forums:
Writing Forums
Scribe's Message Board |
|
2/10/2012, 2:49 pm
|
Link to this post
Email bvr
PM bvr
AIM
MSN
Yahoo
|
OldWarrior
Registered user
Registered: 04-2006
Location: USA, Western hemisphere, earth
Posts: 21
Karma: 0 (+0/-0)
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Describing Characters
I like this subject!
My comment is more from a reader's viewpoint than from a writer's -- though I have done a little describing.
I think it depends on the writer and the purpose of the description. Also, I think it depends on how interestingly the description is written. I don't like so much to spend several pages of reading descriptions of characters, but would rather have much of it revealed piecemeal and by way of seeing the characters in action.
The imagination certainly is a wonderful thing. So, I guess I agree with both of you!
--- Old Warrior
Check out Bible Notes
It is one of my favorite places on the Internet.
God bless you, everyone! |
|
2/27/2012, 11:37 am
|
Link to this post
Email OldWarrior
PM OldWarrior
Blog
|
