Character Inconsistencies for the Sake of the Plot
The Matter:
I read a
Star Wars novel once wherein a primary villain character was particularly insightful into the motivations of the other characters, and always to his benefit.
However, toward the climactic portion of the story, this same character completely failed to read another character accurately, to his detriment; it was upon this failure that the hero was able to be victorious.
It irked me. It still does, and it's been about ten years since I read it.
For Discussion:
1) While reading the story, I certainly appreciated how the author used the villain's insight in order to explain/illuminate the motivations of other characters and to direct the story toward greater dramatic tension. It seemed a useful and effective tool.
2) It annoyed me and seemed so contrived that the villain could so "conveniently" make such a mistake at such a critical moment and allow the hero his 'win.' It struck me as such an obvious manipulation by the author in order to create the ending that he wanted that it totally broke my suspension of disbelief and I finished the story feeling a bit of disgust and disappointment.
3) It occurred to me today, that it would have probably been all right with me if the author had - perhaps early in the middle third of the story included or at least referenced some similar failure by the villain. Even better would have been to do so in such a way that increased the dramatic tension of the tale - instead of it always being the villain's perfect read on people forwarding the story for the villain's sake, then his failure making it possible for the good guys to win.
4) Please do not include any reference to the vagaries of dice-rolling in this discussion. This is not a gaming matter, just a creative one.
5) I look forward to your insights and discussions. Thank you and may all your creative endeavors be blessed.
CnC
I read a
doesn't matter which, and I can't remember |
However, toward the climactic portion of the story, this same character completely failed to read another character accurately, to his detriment; it was upon this failure that the hero was able to be victorious.
It irked me. It still does, and it's been about ten years since I read it.
For Discussion:
1) While reading the story, I certainly appreciated how the author used the villain's insight in order to explain/illuminate the motivations of other characters and to direct the story toward greater dramatic tension. It seemed a useful and effective tool.
2) It annoyed me and seemed so contrived that the villain could so "conveniently" make such a mistake at such a critical moment and allow the hero his 'win.' It struck me as such an obvious manipulation by the author in order to create the ending that he wanted that it totally broke my suspension of disbelief and I finished the story feeling a bit of disgust and disappointment.
3) It occurred to me today, that it would have probably been all right with me if the author had - perhaps early in the middle third of the story included or at least referenced some similar failure by the villain. Even better would have been to do so in such a way that increased the dramatic tension of the tale - instead of it always being the villain's perfect read on people forwarding the story for the villain's sake, then his failure making it possible for the good guys to win.
4) Please do not include any reference to the vagaries of dice-rolling in this discussion. This is not a gaming matter, just a creative one.
5) I look forward to your insights and discussions. Thank you and may all your creative endeavors be blessed.
CnC