1. Samomo

    Samomo New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2009
    Messages:
    49
    Likes Received:
    0

    So the MC knows he's a fictional character...

    Discussion in 'Plot Development' started by Samomo, Jan 3, 2010.

    Based on the truman show, it's mostly parody. But I need help

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This is all very vague but I have a story about how the MC knows he's being controlled after meeting a certain man(who he believes in, but stupidly did not suspect him to be another character made by the author) So he tries to escape the pages of the book by initiating plans to throw the author off, and ultimately find a way to escape. In the end he doesn't realize he has no control over his decisions, but he makes it to a place called 'The End', where the man told him to go and goes through the door. And that's when the story ends. Would you do this in first, or third?

    Is that too impractical? It's would classify as humor/parody and sci-fi-ish. Is there a way to go about it better? What would you do for the ending?
     
  2. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    A story concept means nothing. I can tell you now, it has been done before. What matters is how you write it, the characterization, the flow, the imagery, all of it.

    There's no benefit in asking what other people think of the concept! They'll either say,"Sounds great," or, "it sounds like a ripoff of..."

    If the idea stirs you, write it. Then ask people what they think of the final story. After they tell you what they don't like about it, revise it, usually several times, until you're happy with it or until you throw up your hands and say the hell with it.

    Please read this thread about What is Plot Creation and Development?

    Obviously, you know that at least one similar idea has been written and been successful.
     
  3. Darkom

    Darkom New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2009
    Messages:
    34
    Likes Received:
    1
    Indeed, I believe that is a case of severe romantic irony, and one book I can personally say uses it is "Sophie's World", one of the bestselling books in... I think it was Norway, but I can't be sure. Anyway, it was a philosophy book, but it ended that way. Very interesting, to say the least.

    And of course, Cogito is right :)
     
  4. thePenDragon

    thePenDragon New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2010
    Messages:
    7
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Pueblo, CO
    Wow, sounds interesting. I read mostly young adult fiction, so the first similar book that came to mind for me was Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. She didn't go as much depth as I would've liked about characters taking over their own stories and wresting control away from their writers. I've always thought it would be very interesting for a book to focus in on that. If I were writing this, that's what I'd hone in on.

    Of course, Cogito is very right, though. :)
     
  5. writewizard

    writewizard New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2009
    Messages:
    840
    Likes Received:
    7
    It all matters in how you write it. I would like to see someone who knows they are a fictional character, though.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice