Book Blogger Hop
This prompt was submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver’s Reviews:
When you write your reviews which do you discuss more – the plot or the characters?
I’d liked to say it’s about 50/50—and perhaps overall it is.
My initial reaction to this question was, “It depends on the book.” There are some books where the plot is the star—because of the inventiveness, the intricacy, the unexpected X + Y of the ingredients, the hook, or whatever. When it comes to other books, it’s all about the character—the protagonist, the antagonist, or best friend/sidekick are what’s captured my imagination.
But after a little reflection,* I think I typically talk about character more than plot. There are two reasons for that—first, it’s easier to be spoiler-free when talking about characters. But the second reason is the big one—it’s characters more than story, setting, magic, science-y fiction bits, gross murders, or whatever that we connect to. We want people we can connect with, relate to, and live vicariously through—and it’s those characters that draw a reader to a book. Obviously, we all want great plots and the rest—don’t give me a P.I. novel without any action or plot, or a fantasy novel without some sword-play or spell-casting or whatever. But give me people I care about doing those things. I think most readers are the same way, so that’s what I write toward.
* Not much, because I have the feeling if I think about this too much, I’m going to spend 3 hours doing an audit of 10 years worth of posts and be able to give hard numbers.
Do the scales balance in your reviews?
Bob Germaux
I tend to be more interested in characters as opposed to plots. Don’t get me wrong. As you said, H.C., you gotta have a good plot, but in my estimation, great characters are even more important. Think about the book “series” you read. What brings you back again and again are those characters in whom you’ve invested so much time, exhibit A being (again, for me) the Spenser series, the Elvis Cole series, etc.).
HCNewton
exactly!
Snapdragon
I say I talk more about the characters but sometimes it depends with sticks out more. Some books are more character driven and others are more plot driven.
HCNewton
exactly!