The Sum of All Parts

In fantasy novels, there is a tendency to sprinkle characters like I pour sugar: all over the place. There is usually a main character or three, as well as a multitude of supporting characters most of whom will no doubt drift in and out of our hero’s (or heroine’s) life.

Recently, I finished reading the second novel in Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth series. In the second book, the hero (Richard) and heroine (Kahlan), as well as the kindly Wizard (who is also a mainstay of fantasy novels), are separated, each one going on their own separate adventure, populated by its own unique cast of characters. It never occurred to me how often writers of fantasy novels separate their characters. It’s been done in Lord of the Rings, it’s been done in the Wheel of Time books, by Robert Jordan, and it’s been done in this series. In fact, a little case of separation anxiety serves a few purposes for the reader.

First, the writer realizes that, while we might enjoy the interactions of the main characters when they are together, the separation allows them to grow and to shine in their own way. The heroine cannot lead an army to victory when the hero would be the one she deferred to if he was there. Likewise, the hero could not grow into the character he needs to be to defeat the Big Bad if he is allowed to rely on the heroine to lead him through a strange land.

Second, the reader, who may identify with one character or the other, might enjoy a respite from a perceived annoyance when they are together. This especially works well when the hero and heroine are in love. No together time means that we can avoid too much mushy stuff and get right down to the sword-swinging and magic-wielding.

Of course, there are always drawbacks to having them separate. At first, I was actually annoyed that the writer did this. Not because I disliked any particular character, but because I was so invested in Richard’s story, that any divergence into Kahlan’s story was met with rolled eyes and a wish to get through her story quickly so that I could get back to Richard’s journey through magic and prophecy.

It was only after I thought on how often writers use this tool that I was mollified. In fact, I have used the same tactic in my writing, separating my characters for the sake of the story.

Characters often do things that the reader does not like. They can be whiny, heart-broken, dim-witted or just oblivious. Every reader will have a story thread that they like above the others, and will often skip passages to get there faster (I was guilty of that when I was younger). My advice is to take it slow. Savour each thread and character as they come along, because often the author knows exactly what he or she is doing. You may not like it, but when the author brings together the converging storylines, when the characters are reunited, you will have realized just how much you might have actually enjoyed each and every thread. And when you cannot wait to see what happens in the next book of the series, you have just had a wonderful reading experience

Remember, the sum is greater then its parts. Even if some parts involves mushy stuff instead of swords.