Killing off Characters

The final installment of a well-known and loved book series was published last week, and before much time had passed, there were cries of outrage from fans all over the world.


I was one of them.


Why? A major character was killed off. This was hardly the first time in this series a character we had grown to love had died, but this one went further than any fan wanted it to go. The storm that it caused is still wreaking havoc amongst YA/dystopian lovers everywhere.


There’s no doubt what happened in this story upset me, but I have to ask myself why? We all know people die. We all know people die tragically. Should it not be that way in books? Why do we always prefer the HEA (Happily Ever After) even if it’s not realistic?


For me, I know I read books as an escape from the real world. If I want to know how tragic the world is, I watch the news. I want my books to entertain and uplift me. That’s why I read them. Even then, I don’t always object if characters, even major characters, are killed off or if the book doesn’t end happily. I enjoyed Gone with the Wind in spite of the fact that Rhett walks out and leaves Scarlett standing in the doorway, begging for him to come back. I enjoyed the movie Remember Me in spite of its incredibly tragic conclusion. So why did I have such a problem with this book?


I think the delivery of this particular title was part of the issue. Many fans have a lot of problems with the story as well. Perhaps that is at least part of the reason. However, there’s no doubt it’s the ending that’s pushed most people over the edge, and many have said that they will never read this author’s books again.


Is this kind of reaction a reasonable one, do you think? Is it right that an author should feel such pressure to ensure a HEA or risk alienating their fans? In what circumstances is it okay to have a tragic end to a story? I’m genuinely interested in your thoughts, especially the thoughts of my fellow authors. Would you be brave enough to write a story that kills off the most loved characters?

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Published on October 27, 2013 20:17
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message 1: by [deleted user] (new)

i have just recently seen all the backlash on this book, even though i only read book 1 and didn't "fall" for the series, the reaction the final book has popped up on my radar!lol
i am honestly glad i didn't invest in the series, because i like a HEA! and i would be feeling much the same as everyone else i think! lol

but this is such a difficult subject for authors, how far do you take it? how realistic do you want your tale to be?

from my point of view as a reader, i want escapism, so even if the whole story is a tad far fetched, if you execute it right i don't care!
i have actually NOT bought books because on the synopsis its says no HEA, or wait for book 2 or 3.

every now again i might accidentally buy a book without a HEA that i don't completely dislike!
i buy plenty of non-HEA books by mistake, but i'm saying once in a while i might actually like it! lol

it's just very rare for me to like the non-HEA, especially as 90% of the books i read are based love stories, so you invest that time and they DON'T end up together??

i suppose the best way to have the best of both would be to have a series of books(2 or more), where you can have the ups and downs, even have a few years apart, but its all worth it in the end. . .i would still wait until all the books are out so i don't have to wait too long for the HEA! lol


message 2: by Lynne (new)

Lynne Stringer I think I'm the same, Sarah.


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