The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - The wrong kind of details: the components of wonder (aka lmp's rant)

mark12_30 · 08-05-2002, 04:41 AM

lmp,
if the antihero's vices are due to a twisted virtue, then I think they can work. But if the anihero's vices are just plain vices and he's evil then I dn;t think so.

Fer instance, Feanor-- evil oath and all-- is likable, because his vice (lust for the Silmarils) is a twisted virtue (love of the light, artistic expression, creation of what is beautiful.)

Boromir is likable because his vice (lust after the Ring) is a twisted virtue (I'll do anything-- anything-- to save my City.) We can have compassion on that, because the noble desire shines through the faulty application.

I have a character who does some Really Stupid Things because he is desperately in love with, and telepathically bonded to, a woman he can't have, and he's tormented with the idea of losing her. Pitiable. And in the end, he's repentant, like Boromir.

But the "king" who does stupid vindictive things with his harem because he's just a jerk-- Not. And I never could get interested in the healed leper character from that series, because somebody told me his first act in his healed body was rape. Nice. Returning evil for good-- why would I want to read about that? There are more uplifting books out there.

--Helen

08-05-2002, 04:41 AM	#13
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	lmp, if the antihero's vices are due to a twisted virtue, then I think they can work. But if the anihero's vices are just plain vices and he's evil then I dn;t think so. Fer instance, Feanor-- evil oath and all-- is likable, because his vice (lust for the Silmarils) is a twisted virtue (love of the light, artistic expression, creation of what is beautiful.) Boromir is likable because his vice (lust after the Ring) is a twisted virtue (I'll do anything-- anything-- to save my City.) We can have compassion on that, because the noble desire shines through the faulty application. I have a character who does some Really Stupid Things because he is desperately in love with, and telepathically bonded to, a woman he can't have, and he's tormented with the idea of losing her. Pitiable. And in the end, he's repentant, like Boromir. But the "king" who does stupid vindictive things with his harem because he's just a jerk-- Not. And I never could get interested in the healed leper character from that series, because somebody told me his first act in his healed body was rape. Nice. Returning evil for good-- why would I want to read about that? There are more uplifting books out there. --Helen __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.