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Did you guess? It's a trick question. They ALL are. The truth is Character, Plot and World are vital to an excellent book. Sure it can be good with one stronger than another, but we all want more than just "good" right? I look at it like a triangle. All corners have to be strong to maintain the shape. Many times a writer is inherently good at one area and that's wonderful! The others can grow strong during revisions.
To prove my point, let's take a look at two extremely popular books and see what would happen without one of the corners.
- Harry Potter
- Plot - where can you find a more complex plot than the boy who lived, Horcruxes, Hallows, and the drive for immortality?
- Character - Even the supporting characters are unforgettable. Peeves? Fred and George? Luna?
- World - An entire society complete with government (Ministry of Magic), school (Hogwarts), and creatures (dragons, goblins, etc.). It was so believable, many secretly hoped for an owl on their eleventh birthday.
- BUT what if one of these were missing? Would it be the same to visit Hogwarts with a generic student? Or to explore the halls with Harry without the threat of Voldemort or whatever mystery lurked in the shadows? No way!
- The Hunger Games
- Plot - Children pitted to the death in an arena for sport. Need I say more?
- Character - A survivor built from the conditions the Capitol imposed on her. She protects her sister with her life, and is determined to succeed. The boy who loves her and would do anything to protect her.
- World - the arena itself. The Capital. The districts.
- BUT what if Katniss played the games in an open field. Sure it would be frightening because of the other players, but it's nothing compared to the threat of dehydration, starvation, and fire driving her toward unwanted battle with the others. Or none of the other players being worth saving? We'd root for Katniss. But isn't it better to be torn because we know she, Peeta, and Rue can't all survive?
Do you see my point? The triangle must work in harmony, each piece being held firmly in place. Don't skimp or try to avoid working at one corner you think you are weakest at! The whole thing could collapse. Instead, use revision to build, build, build until you have something truly unforgettable.
When I plan a book, I come up with the story idea and then the characters. But I also write down all the ideas about plot, story world, and characters that come to me during the day (and especially while running). Some ideas get used. Some inspire other ideas. But the point is I do think of the entire package before I start to outline the book. But I wouldn't be able to do that if I didn't do the preplanning first. :D
ReplyDeleteHarmony is a great way to describe it. I love the use of the triangle to capture character, plot, and world.
ReplyDeleteAmen! I think it's fine to start with one--for me it's usually plot--but then it's so important to fill in the rest so they work together.
ReplyDeleteI asked my niece once, "You loved HP so much, you must've wondered why you didn't get an owl on your 11th birthday?"
ReplyDeleteShe said, "I'm still waiting."
She's 23!
I find it tempting to start with plot but then sometimes I get lost as to who my characters are, so I go back and work on them. It is unbelievable, all the details to incorporate.
What a great analogy! You've remindes me to make sure my world holds up its end. For me, world building is the most difficult part.
ReplyDeleteAWESOME! This is a great reminder for me, because right now the triangle of my wii looks more like an egg. I need to remember that revision is where it'll gain strength. Oh, and amazing beta readers will point out the weaknesses, yes???????
ReplyDeleteSo right. All of these story elements have to work together to make the whole what you want it to be--an engaging, believable world.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, but that goes without saying.
The perfect trifecta. Yes, all three are necessary. But, which comes first in the writing process for you? For me, it is usually character, followed by a scene which develops the plot, and then, the worldbuilding.
ReplyDeleteTimely post (do I say that every week???) but it is! Just yesterday I opened a new word doc and began something completely new. I've been working and re-working another MS for so long, I kinda forgot how to start a NEW one.
ReplyDeleteExactly why I loved that series, and Rowling inspired me to get into writing fantasy. Great post Lisa!
ReplyDeleteGreat examples!! I always remember the characters the most, but without the world and the plot, there'd be nothing to remember! :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! For a truly epic story, you need all three sides of the triangle- and what's more magical than the number 3! I'm a new follower here! Great post, thanks!
ReplyDelete~ Jess
Usually I get either characters or plot first then build the rest. Most of my ideas come to me in dreams, so I see what's happening like something on a movie screen.
ReplyDeleteGood "point" Lisa!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, harmony is the key. My characters almost always come to me first, hand in hand with the plot, then the words start to flow. You're right, it's all tied together in an intricate pattern.
ReplyDeleteI agree, there has to be a balance. Wonderful post! <3
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of an ongoing debate in college: what's more important the actor or the play. Without the play the actor has no words to say, without the actor the play lies flat on the page. I have to admit I tip first toward character. I don't care where they are or what's happening if i don't relate to the person going on the journey.
ReplyDeleteAh, so true! I've always been horrible at anything math, but this sort of geometry I get. : ) And it's also true that revision is where the building comes into play, at least for me.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Now back to my world-building revision...
ReplyDeleteI love this post! So true --all three have to be strong and work together. I'll definitely be back --loved to see your analysis of why HP and Hunger Games are so compelling. :)
ReplyDeleteErin
www.erinbradypike.com
I used to think it that character stood above the others, but now you've got me re-thinking this. Maybe you just hit on what makes a block buster! (these three plus that indefinable fourth thing that connects with the masses and makes it go viral)
ReplyDelete