Are You Writing Serious Fantasy? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Anna Licumo · 07-11-2002, 03:53 PM

Thanks for the welcome! And yes, I realize I'm posting *again*, but now I have a question to discusss rather than a statement.

Which are better, generally, character-driven plot, or... plot-driven plot. I.E., the action happens because of what a character does, or the char. is just along with the ride? Is a healthy mix of both the best, and how do you mix it up?

The difference, how I see it, is shown between Tolkien as plot driven, and Ranma1/2 (I know it's not great literature, but I'm having difficulties of thinking of anyother ones) as character driven.

In one of my stories, it's mostly character driven. The planet is wrecked by the invaders. Everything else is driven by how they react/ what they do. Whereas another story is about this Vampire case my character has to deal with; it's all action driven. This is why I ask:

Which is better? More interesting? How do you best mix it up?

Just wondering. Thought it would make an interesting topic, if the magick thread didn't go anywhere. Anyway, thank you!

07-11-2002, 03:53 PM	#11
Anna Licumo Haunting Spirit Join Date: May 2002 Location: Eryn Lasgalen... okay, KS actually. ::sigh:: Posts: 78	Thanks for the welcome! And yes, I realize I'm posting again, but now I have a question to discusss rather than a statement. Which are better, generally, character-driven plot, or... plot-driven plot. I.E., the action happens because of what a character does, or the char. is just along with the ride? Is a healthy mix of both the best, and how do you mix it up? The difference, how I see it, is shown between Tolkien as plot driven, and Ranma1/2 (I know it's not great literature, but I'm having difficulties of thinking of anyother ones) as character driven. In one of my stories, it's mostly character driven. The planet is wrecked by the invaders. Everything else is driven by how they react/ what they do. Whereas another story is about this Vampire case my character has to deal with; it's all action driven. This is why I ask: Which is better? More interesting? How do you best mix it up? Just wondering. Thought it would make an interesting topic, if the magick thread didn't go anywhere. Anyway, thank you! __________________ Rock-a-bye Nazgul, on Weathertop, when the Ring calls, the horses will run. And when Sauron calls, the Nazgul will go, and down will come evil, Ringwraiths and all!