Comments on: Don’t let minor characters steal the show http://www.superheronation.com/2009/01/13/dont-let-your-scenes-get-stolen-by-minor-characters/ How to write a graphic novel, comic book or superhero novel and get it published Sat, 31 Jul 2010 08:42:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: The ReTARDISed Whovian http://www.superheronation.com/2009/01/13/dont-let-your-scenes-get-stolen-by-minor-characters/#comment-24606 The ReTARDISed Whovian Sat, 18 Apr 2009 03:53:46 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=1778#comment-24606 The number of characters I'm going to use will slowly increase. <br /> The first book has Isaac, Amy Belle, Will and Rana. Morgan is a minor character. Isaac's parents (Reiji and June) and sister (Lonnie) have semi-major roles. <br /> The second adds Kamari. Morgan will get a larger role. Tristram, Atalya and Klemente are mentioned and have very minor roles. Reiji gets a larger role. <br /> The third has Tristram, Atalya and Klemente with much greater roles, and introduces Requiem and Livian. Kamari reappears. <br /> The team - FIGHT - doesn't have an official leader, but Tristram sort of takes that role by default. He has the most supporters in the group - three, Kamari, Klemente and Atalya - and generally takes charge of difficult situations. The trouble is that he can be a jerk at times and get really angry if he's under too much pressure. In that case, Isaac and Atalya are the backup leaders. The number of characters I’m going to use will slowly increase.

The first book has Isaac, Amy Belle, Will and Rana. Morgan is a minor character. Isaac’s parents (Reiji and June) and sister (Lonnie) have semi-major roles.

The second adds Kamari. Morgan will get a larger role. Tristram, Atalya and Klemente are mentioned and have very minor roles. Reiji gets a larger role.

The third has Tristram, Atalya and Klemente with much greater roles, and introduces Requiem and Livian. Kamari reappears.

The team – FIGHT – doesn’t have an official leader, but Tristram sort of takes that role by default. He has the most supporters in the group – three, Kamari, Klemente and Atalya – and generally takes charge of difficult situations. The trouble is that he can be a jerk at times and get really angry if he’s under too much pressure. In that case, Isaac and Atalya are the backup leaders.

]]> By: Wings http://www.superheronation.com/2009/01/13/dont-let-your-scenes-get-stolen-by-minor-characters/#comment-24598 Wings Sat, 18 Apr 2009 02:53:24 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=1778#comment-24598 I'm doing a team story, so I kind of have to give everyone a little spotlight. <br /> Meg's the leader because she's the assertive one, good at making quick decisions. However, she's also very impulsive and impatient, causing her to get in over her head occasionally. <br /> When Meg gets captured, it's pretty obvious that Connor, although he's young, has the adequate (perhaps better) leadership skills. But, again, he's only eleven, so he still needs to watch himself. <br /> Ian's a little too naive and gullible to have a position of authority, however, he grows up a lot throughout the story and (I at least feel this way), is very likable to readers because they can relate to how he feels. <br /> Darren, actually, appears to be the underdog of the group. Because of his disability, he's normally unable to help his friends (OR: *SPOILER* his brother) which makes him feel useless. And yet, he manages to stand on his own two feet (theoretically of course) throughout the book and becomes more confident. <br /> Jazz is, in short, the tough one. She's smart and sure of herself, but, at the same time, distrustful and too quick to snap. <br /> Pierce is the most unlikely member of the group. In Ian's words, he's the "tall, scary guy with a motorcycle." He's ruthless and violent, but he's goodhearted and assuredly not evil by choice. <br /> -Wings I’m doing a team story, so I kind of have to give everyone a little spotlight.

Meg’s the leader because she’s the assertive one, good at making quick decisions. However, she’s also very impulsive and impatient, causing her to get in over her head occasionally.

When Meg gets captured, it’s pretty obvious that Connor, although he’s young, has the adequate (perhaps better) leadership skills. But, again, he’s only eleven, so he still needs to watch himself.

Ian’s a little too naive and gullible to have a position of authority, however, he grows up a lot throughout the story and (I at least feel this way), is very likable to readers because they can relate to how he feels.

Darren, actually, appears to be the underdog of the group. Because of his disability, he’s normally unable to help his friends (OR: *SPOILER* his brother) which makes him feel useless. And yet, he manages to stand on his own two feet (theoretically of course) throughout the book and becomes more confident.

Jazz is, in short, the tough one. She’s smart and sure of herself, but, at the same time, distrustful and too quick to snap.

Pierce is the most unlikely member of the group. In Ian’s words, he’s the “tall, scary guy with a motorcycle.” He’s ruthless and violent, but he’s goodhearted and assuredly not evil by choice.

-Wings

]]> By: Lunajamnia http://www.superheronation.com/2009/01/13/dont-let-your-scenes-get-stolen-by-minor-characters/#comment-24574 Lunajamnia Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:45:29 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=1778#comment-24574 This is exactly what happened in my Trilogy! <br /> I didn't intend for the minor character to become a major character; it just sort of happened. She grew from a side-character/supporting character to another main character as the story progressed--almost like they were BOTH intended to be main characters all along. <br /> The second book is almost entirely about the minor character, and then in the third book it's all about the original character again, though with two minor characters. I think that they don't "steal the show" that time, but I'm not sure. This is exactly what happened in my Trilogy!

I didn’t intend for the minor character to become a major character; it just sort of happened. She grew from a side-character/supporting character to another main character as the story progressed–almost like they were BOTH intended to be main characters all along.

The second book is almost entirely about the minor character, and then in the third book it’s all about the original character again, though with two minor characters. I think that they don’t “steal the show” that time, but I’m not sure.

]]> By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2009/01/13/dont-let-your-scenes-get-stolen-by-minor-characters/#comment-16250 B. Mac Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:30:21 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=1778#comment-16250 Yeah, I don't think Adrian will get scene-stolen. However, there is some chance that Adrian will disappear in scenes like scenario #3, when he's getting information/backstory from a more experienced character like Jimelly. I'd recommend trying to remember that readers typically care more about the main character than the backstory. Good luck! Yeah, I don’t think Adrian will get scene-stolen. However, there is some chance that Adrian will disappear in scenes like scenario #3, when he’s getting information/backstory from a more experienced character like Jimelly. I’d recommend trying to remember that readers typically care more about the main character than the backstory. Good luck!

]]> By: Ragged Boy http://www.superheronation.com/2009/01/13/dont-let-your-scenes-get-stolen-by-minor-characters/#comment-16242 Ragged Boy Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:37:24 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=1778#comment-16242 It's funny that you say "steal the show". When it comes to Adrian, he's hands down my most interesting character. Jimelly may be his only competition, but Adrian's dramatic personality will be surely "maintain the spotlight." It’s funny that you say “steal the show”. When it comes to Adrian, he’s hands down my most interesting character. Jimelly may be his only competition, but Adrian’s dramatic personality will be surely “maintain the spotlight.”

]]> By: C.R. http://www.superheronation.com/2009/01/13/dont-let-your-scenes-get-stolen-by-minor-characters/#comment-15838 C.R. Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:25:24 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=1778#comment-15838 Heh, heh. Just to clear a few things up, it was not physical abuse (ever read Larry Niven's "Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex"?). <br /> Great idea, B.Mac. Likibility is important--I've read where publishers passed on ms for that very reason--well written, but they couldn't connect, didn't have any sympathy for the protag. Comics too, though maybe not so much. My focus in general was to have a protag that was different than the Superman icon, Christopher Reeve's Mr. Sensitive, and maybe I got carried away with it. I had another comment (from an asst. editor of a fantasy magazine) tell me the fella was a jerk, but in the next paragraph say he had "a wonderful edge to him." <br /> That, or either she read the first couple of chapters and said: urk, not another suethor. I disagreed, but... Heh, heh. Just to clear a few things up, it was not physical abuse (ever read Larry Niven’s “Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex”?).

Great idea, B.Mac. Likibility is important–I’ve read where publishers passed on ms for that very reason–well written, but they couldn’t connect, didn’t have any sympathy for the protag. Comics too, though maybe not so much. My focus in general was to have a protag that was different than the Superman icon, Christopher Reeve’s Mr. Sensitive, and maybe I got carried away with it. I had another comment (from an asst. editor of a fantasy magazine) tell me the fella was a jerk, but in the next paragraph say he had “a wonderful edge to him.”

That, or either she read the first couple of chapters and said: urk, not another suethor. I disagreed, but…

]]> By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2009/01/13/dont-let-your-scenes-get-stolen-by-minor-characters/#comment-15792 B. Mac Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:01:53 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=1778#comment-15792 I'm glad to help, CR. Hmm. <br /> I think you've got a scenario that I hadn't thought of. A minor character might steal the scene if readers find him so much more likable that they want him to be the lead. For your story, I think the easiest fix would be to make the main character more likable. Maybe you could soften the edges on how roughly he treats his girlfriend. I’m glad to help, CR. Hmm.

I think you’ve got a scenario that I hadn’t thought of. A minor character might steal the scene if readers find him so much more likable that they want him to be the lead. For your story, I think the easiest fix would be to make the main character more likable. Maybe you could soften the edges on how roughly he treats his girlfriend.

]]> By: C.R. http://www.superheronation.com/2009/01/13/dont-let-your-scenes-get-stolen-by-minor-characters/#comment-15787 C.R. Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:23:01 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=1778#comment-15787 Interesting article, rings true with me. I have a WIP novel ms. A NYT bestselling author did a crit of a few chaps, said a minor character was more interesting than the protag(a supie pastiche). Who knows, maybe she was turned off by the protags rough treatment of his girlfriend. Great page, BTW. Interesting article, rings true with me. I have a WIP novel ms. A NYT bestselling author did a crit of a few chaps, said a minor character was more interesting than the protag(a supie pastiche). Who knows, maybe she was turned off by the protags rough treatment of his girlfriend.

Great page, BTW.

]]> By: Brett http://www.superheronation.com/2009/01/13/dont-let-your-scenes-get-stolen-by-minor-characters/#comment-15738 Brett Tue, 13 Jan 2009 23:15:37 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=1778#comment-15738 The first one was the "Don't model characters after your friends" article. I believe that was inspired when I said I modeled Amorelia on a girl I knew. The first one was the “Don’t model characters after your friends” article. I believe that was inspired when I said I modeled Amorelia on a girl I knew.

]]> By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2009/01/13/dont-let-your-scenes-get-stolen-by-minor-characters/#comment-15725 B. Mac Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:36:22 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=1778#comment-15725 Hmm... what was the first article we did that was inspired by your work, Brett? <br /> I think that I started writing this to articulate why I thought that Alex had disappeared in chapters 6-7. I suspect it's more of a general problem, though, so please don't feel like I'm singling you out. For example, Superhero Nation's Agent Black tends to disappear, which could be a critical problem for us. <br /> David's series may have a slightly invisible main character (Silence), but I think it's less of a problem because his series seems more geared around a group than just Silence. Team-centered comic books and graphic novels are very acceptable*. <br /> Additionally, David's world is not very wacky. I don't think that David's audience needs Silence to interpret what's going on. In contrast, our world is deliberately wacky and unusual, so I think that I need a reliable character in every scene. That essentially forces us to use Agent Black (or perhaps Jacob) in every scene. Likewise, Will Smith's character (the straightman in Men in Black) was present in virtually every MIB scene. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_act" rel="nofollow">Straightman comedy</a> needs a straightman. <br /> *A few novels have tried to get away from the main character, but it usually turns out more like Soon I Will Be Invincible than Lord of the Rings. I don't recommend it, particularly for first-time authors. Novel plots tend to come apart without a central protagonist. Hmm… what was the first article we did that was inspired by your work, Brett?

I think that I started writing this to articulate why I thought that Alex had disappeared in chapters 6-7. I suspect it’s more of a general problem, though, so please don’t feel like I’m singling you out. For example, Superhero Nation’s Agent Black tends to disappear, which could be a critical problem for us.

David’s series may have a slightly invisible main character (Silence), but I think it’s less of a problem because his series seems more geared around a group than just Silence. Team-centered comic books and graphic novels are very acceptable*.

Additionally, David’s world is not very wacky. I don’t think that David’s audience needs Silence to interpret what’s going on. In contrast, our world is deliberately wacky and unusual, so I think that I need a reliable character in every scene. That essentially forces us to use Agent Black (or perhaps Jacob) in every scene. Likewise, Will Smith’s character (the straightman in Men in Black) was present in virtually every MIB scene. Straightman comedy needs a straightman.

*A few novels have tried to get away from the main character, but it usually turns out more like Soon I Will Be Invincible than Lord of the Rings. I don’t recommend it, particularly for first-time authors. Novel plots tend to come apart without a central protagonist.

]]> By: David http://www.superheronation.com/2009/01/13/dont-let-your-scenes-get-stolen-by-minor-characters/#comment-15715 David Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:45:45 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=1778#comment-15715 You mean me? You mean me?

]]> By: Ragged Boy http://www.superheronation.com/2009/01/13/dont-let-your-scenes-get-stolen-by-minor-characters/#comment-15714 Ragged Boy Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:43:43 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=1778#comment-15714 With all due respect, I think this is also David influenced, but is still generally relevant. I felt special when they started posting comic related stuff. With all due respect, I think this is also David influenced, but is still generally relevant. I felt special when they started posting comic related stuff.

]]> By: Brett http://www.superheronation.com/2009/01/13/dont-let-your-scenes-get-stolen-by-minor-characters/#comment-15704 Brett Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:00:07 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=1778#comment-15704 I think this is the second article you've written because of something I did. I feel special! I think this is the second article you’ve written because of something I did. I feel special!

]]>