[stylist] stylist Digest, Vol 64, Issue 7

[Kerry Thompson]

Helene,

I agree with Lori that a "normal" character, someone the reader can relate to, might be a very good thing in a strange and wondrous world where the reader may very well feel lost. If you can build an entire story around such a character, even if as you indicate the story will be down the line a bit, all the better.

But unnecessary characters is quite a difficult call. A character, no matter how minor, can't be said to be unnecessary if he serves a purpose in the story. I agree that two siblings in this particular case might well serve just as well as three, unless each of the three is individualized and contributes something unique to the story. I sympathize with Robert's point, but I think you need to evaluate each character with regard to her/his relevance and importance to the story.

The other thing to remember is that you don't need to tell everything in one story. That is, it might be better to follow one or two characters and bring in others only as they relate to, touch, these two main characters lives. You can then write further tales focusing on other characters in the same world.

Kerry