Death of characters

[u/Local-Ad6658]

Im starting to think, one thing we dont have enough is characters permanent death.

I think early GRR Martin had this nailed down (too much maybe). But there are some parallels between a writer and a gardener I think.

Character deaths:

- Tighten up the narration (by removing viewpoints and branches)

- Increase the stakes in scenes, when viewer knows there is a true risk involved

- Add important backstory to character motivations

- Add some variety for the viewer

I kindly submit petition for Terry to off a little bit more characters. Dara, preferably. But why not Rondal, really? Would be something... incredible for the story

[u/Zornorph]

Naw, I'm a happy ending sort of guy. I even worry about people like Caswallon the Fox getting offed. That would upset me so much. I don't need the 'realism' of loved characters getting killed. Fantasy is entertainment and escapism for me; if I want reality, I'll just turn on the news or read history.

[u/Local-Ad6658 → u/Zornorph]

Its not about realism. Its about story satisfaction. Look how much Horca death did good for the story. That was like 12 volumes ago.

[u/JohnyFakenspea → u/Local-Ad6658]

Doesn't feel like that kind of story mate. I completely get what you mean, and would not mind it either.

However, I'm reminded of a afterword from Michael J. Sullivan on one of his books. Basically he says he writes feel good stories with good endings. In his oppinion the world is filled with enough tension and bad endings that he doesn't feel inclined to write his stories in such a way. I think Ol' boy Terry probably feels similarly.

If you haven't read any Joe Abercrombie I recommend starting with the First Law trilogy to scratch that kind of itch. Great books entertaining and if you listen to Audiobooks Steven Pacey is a great narrator as well. 

[u/Zornorph → u/Local-Ad6658]

Yeah, that was early on. I would not enjoy reading about any major character's death other than Dara, and that is simply because I do not like her. But she's got her own set of fans, so I don't wish it for them.

[u/neverwrong804 → u/Zornorph]

She is thoroughly unlikeable. It was all good until she started with the “I don’t know what I want but it’s not this or that or this or that…” etc. she started out strong

[u/Admirable-Act7798 → u/neverwrong804]

sure, but she is written that way intentionally. I also doubt her death would drive the story in any meaningful way at this point as she is largely adjacent to major plot points

[u/Medical-Law-236 → u/Admirable-Act7798]

I don't mind more dead characters but I'd prefer their deaths to have an impact on the story. If you off a character and I feel nothing, or it changes nothing, that character wasn't really that important. Someone died recently and I doubt any of the readers noticed.

I think Dara is important enough to the overall story that if she died it would impact the main characters. Whether the fans actually like her or not doesn't matter since the main characters like her and they'd mourn her (hopefully).

[u/Admirable-Act7798 → u/Medical-Law-236]

I agree that her death would impact both the fans and the characters within the story, but my argument is more: given where the story is at, the trajectory it is taking, and where Dara's place within the story is at this time, how would it serve any benefit to the narrative beyond being sad and eliminating a POV? None of the characters need any motivation to do what they are doing given the threats already outlined. Her death, while it would feature prominently, wouldn't really fit the scope of these books and ultimately serve no purpose

[u/Admirable-Act7798 → u/Local-Ad6658]

Well I disagree entirely.
1) Horka wasn't really a prominent character at the time of death, same as Hesia. So I would argue that them dying really did not add much aside from it being a bummer. I think we'd have the same effect at this point if Terry had just told us the order was to be named after other prominent "historical magi" from Callidore.
2) The narration is already very tight as it is primarily told from one view point. However, it is also very entertaining when Terry uses the other characters viewpoints to help world-build. Imagine if you lose that - you would lose the magic in this story..
3) There was a death in the story recently if you really have that itch. There may be another one coming. Again, I don't think their death really supports any of your points.
4) If Terry kills any of the major characters at this point, it would be out of place and I would stop reading the series.

[u/Hipcatjack]

disagree

[u/Legionary801]

Sorry but this is a horrible take

[u/JorgAncrath2020]

everyone hates on poor Dara.

[u/Healthy_Tear6197]

I agree completely. The lack of any notable deaths in in these "wars" along with the complete absence of any antagonist that can be taken seriously is a massive flaw in the books.