Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Predictable Characters

Just as a reminder, be sure to check back tomorrow as it’ll be time for another edition of Barrie Summy’s First Wednesday of the Month Book Review Club. Anyhow, as I researched for my book review tomorrow, I found a couple of website criticizing my pick (I’ll reveal my choice tomorrow).

Their complaint stemmed from the fact that the characters’ predictability. I see their point, and I know what they mean – the good guys are good and the bad guys are bad. But, nearly every great story to survive the ages has the same “fault.” Is it really bad that the hero be a good guy?

It reminds me of DC Comics’ latest twirl with the Batman movies. Today’s audience wants a grim, brooding hero. Batman must be full of faults. Bruce Wayne can’t just be a successful businessman. No, we must emphasize his inner demons, etc.

Call me overly wholesome, but every now and then I think it refreshing to see the good guy win. Am I alone on feeling that way? Do you disagree?
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6 comments:

  1. Edie RamerMarch 31, 2009 at 9:03 AM

    I do like to see the good guy win, just as in a romance I like the HEA. But I do like surprises in the plot along the way to the HEA.

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  2. MeghanMarch 31, 2009 at 11:45 AM

    I admit that GRRM's deeply flawed characters in books like A Game of Thrones is a breath of fresh air, but if a character is legit good (i.e. you BELIEVE it) than I enjoy that as well. It does seem like society is very jaded, but there ARE good people out there. It's just a matter of showing the reader, not just telling them (like some authors do, which drives me crazy).

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  3. BarrieMarch 31, 2009 at 3:07 PM

    Since I'm writing middle grade mysteries, the good guy always wins! And I won't reveal your book choice for tomorrow. Well, until tomorrow!

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  4. D.A. RiserMarch 31, 2009 at 7:36 PM

    Hi Edie -- Ah, the HEA. I'm hopeless, I know, but I just have to insist upon the HEA in all the books and movies I read/see (and write!).

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  5. D.A. RiserMarch 31, 2009 at 7:40 PM

    Hi Meghan, I haven't yet read the "Game of Thrones" series, but it's on the list. I see what you're saying about showing - if an author is going with a stereotype, then at least back it up with support for why the character is that way. Great point!

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  6. D.A. RiserMarch 31, 2009 at 7:41 PM

    Thanks, Barrie! I'm glad that I can count on Sherry not let the bad guy snatch away the ending. I'd be disappointed in her.

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