Thursday, December 16, 2010

Discussion: Favorite Story Element?

Just a quick post today inspired by my latest read. When you read a story, are you most interested in the plot, the characters, the setting, or some other aspect of the story? (I know ideally a balance among story elements is best, but that's not always easy to achieve.)

For me, I think character is most important. If I don't like the characters, even an exciting plot may not be enough to keep me reading. But I would rank plot above setting. How about you?

7 comments:

Maria Zannini said...

It really does have to be a balance of the three for me. Character, elements, or plot won't keep me invested for very long on their own.

Elena Solodow said...

Absolutely the characters.

Mary@GigglesandGuns said...

Sandra, how nice of you to say it for me --
"For me, I think character is most important. If I don't like the characters, even an exciting plot may not be enough to keep me reading. But I would rank plot above setting."

Jen said...

I need the plot to move me and excellent world building is a must. However, if I don't really, truly care about the characters, if they don't dig up some aspect of myself in their thoughts, struggles and joys, I just can't get into the story. Great question!

~Jen

Angela said...

Yes, I have to connect with the characters. But even that isn't enough if the story doesn't move. For me, the story has to go somewhere, otherwise I get bored. Ha ha, maybe that says more about my attention span than anything else.

Bast said...

I don't care much about setting to be honest. The story could happen anywhere and I'd be happy. Characters and plot are both very important though -- with characters being just slightly more important. I mean, if the characters aren't good (and I don't mean likeable, just wee written) than the plot will fall apart. The characters have to be able to carry the plot.

Golden Eagle said...

Plot, probably. I can stand a drab setting and characters I don't get attached to if there's plot to the story.

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