Killing Characters (#thefinalblow)
It is within almost every writer to think about killing a character. You should consider the pros and cons of killing a character before doing so. If it’s not thought out the death can seem arbitrary and pointless to the reader. Here are some things to consider:
Don’t kill a character just for shock value, or because you feel like you need to kill a character. If you’re considering it, pull out a sheet of paper and write down the pros and cons. (How will it affect the plot? The main character? The side characters?)
Don’t kill a character at the end of your story because you think it could be meaningful. Some deaths at the end of a story can be meaningful and have some impact on the reader, but if you’re not going do it because it’s right for the story, then don’t do it. Besides there are other types of endings that can have a much greater impact than killing a character.
Don’t kill a character because you don’t like them or got tired of them. If you don’t like a character, don’t kill them off with only that reason in mind. If you really don’t like a character, just rewrite your story without them.
Make sure the timing is right. Try not to kill characters at the beginning of a story. However, if that death is an important motivator for your main character, then do so, but make sure to form some sort of connection with the reader and that character.
Always keep in mind that death is messy. I’m not talking physically (though that’s true), but emotionally. You characters are going to have different reactions and there is going to be some sort of grieving process. Don’t leave any of this out, but don’t get into every detail. Leave in what is needed and cut what isn’t. Also, don’t forget that this death is going to have some sort of impact in the way of character development.
Have a very good reason to kill a character. It could either be to further the plot or to further your main character’s development. It could be for any reason BUT make it a good one.
Don’t kill a character to make the point that death is meaningless. Please, do NOT do this. Don’t. This reason will just take away from your story. On this note don’t kill a character to make philosophical statement. Again, this could take away from your story.
Please, carefully consider all possibilities and reasons for killing a character. If you’re not sure, make a list of the reasons why the character can’t die. If one of them is enough to make you reconsider then don’t kill your character.
Any thoughts, comments, other reasons for not killing a character? Send us an ask or email us at [email protected].
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