How many times have you been enjoying a story, and you know what's happening in the plot while the character doesn't? Or they think they know what they're doing, and you believe otherwise.
Character: "Let's take shelter in this cave."
Me: "The axe murderer is hiding in that cave! Don't you people ever watch horror movies? You should know better than that!"
Obviously, this is extremely annoying, and you wish you could jump into the book, tv show, movie, etc., and give them advice. Or scream at them for being so oblivious, whichever you prefer.
"How do you find him intriguing? How are you falling in love with him? Don't you see all his many flaws? The man is judgmental, bitter, self-centered, and doesn't take responsibility for his actions. How can you be so blind to all of his obvious, glaring, enormous faults? And the man is lying to you, Jane. He solves all his problems by locking them away and pretending they don't exist. Besides that, you're not focusing on what's really important to you. Let me refresh your memory. God is perfect, and was with you through all those difficult times during your childhood. This man is so radically far from perfect, there are no words to describe it. And you're thinking of marrying this horrid person? Have you lost your mind? What on Earth do you see in this man? All I see are his many flaws, and let me tell you, there are so many of them..."
I feel better now, don't you? If you read the book, you'll understand. If I weren't afraid of giving away major plot points to you, I would have elaborated further. Because I can, believe me. I could go on and on.
Sometimes, this feeling also applies to your own characters. If someone has always been correct, and always was a good judge of character, why shouldn't you trust him? If you've always trusted this character's judgment, why would you suddenly decide he's wrong when he tells you somebody else is dangerous?
As a result of this foolishness, both main characters got into a great deal of trouble. It was among the worst misfortune that befalls them in the entire novel. Speaking of misfortune, they could have skipped some of their earlier problems if one of my characters wasn't always stealing. And even more issues if the character used common sense and didn't risk himself and his dragon by reckless, poorly thought-out decisions.
Of course, my job isn't to jump into the story and follow him around, offering advice. Although I could employ other characters to preach a similar message, heh heh...
Anyone else had times when a character's clueless behavior frustrated you? (No spoilers, please)
Sometimes, this feeling also applies to your own characters. If someone has always been correct, and always was a good judge of character, why shouldn't you trust him? If you've always trusted this character's judgment, why would you suddenly decide he's wrong when he tells you somebody else is dangerous?
As a result of this foolishness, both main characters got into a great deal of trouble. It was among the worst misfortune that befalls them in the entire novel. Speaking of misfortune, they could have skipped some of their earlier problems if one of my characters wasn't always stealing. And even more issues if the character used common sense and didn't risk himself and his dragon by reckless, poorly thought-out decisions.
Of course, my job isn't to jump into the story and follow him around, offering advice. Although I could employ other characters to preach a similar message, heh heh...
Anyone else had times when a character's clueless behavior frustrated you? (No spoilers, please)
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