Monday, August 22, 2011

Musing Monday..Let Us Look To Aristotle!

Let's head over and check out this week's question from MizB at Should Be Reading...

This week’s musing asks…
Do you prefer character-driven stories, or plot-driven stories?

Must I choose one?
Because I am not sure I can.
For me, a good book is always a balance of the two.

I think good characters are essential. The reader has to identify with the characters or like them or be concerned about them...or why would I care what happens to them in the story?

But, there has to be a good story, or really, what is the point? I want to see those great character involved, acting, caught up in some great happenings! We are not that far removed from our ancestors gather around the hearth, listening with rapt attention to the Storyteller. It is all about a great story that captures our imagination, that draws us in.

A great plot + great characters = a great book.
Granted, the balance may shift a bit from genre to genre, from book to book.
I am a fan, a rather obsessive fan, of mysteries and thrillers. Certainly, that is a genre that by its very nature must be plot heavy. But a mystery without good, well developed characters, no matter how good the story, will always be mediocre at best. The plot may capture our interest, but we must feel some connection with the people involved to really bring the story alive and touch us.
However, sometimes even in a mystery, the author loses the balance. I think of a book I read recently that went on and on about the feeling and thoughts of the lead character. It was a pretty good plot but I was so tired of slogging though his internal conflicts that I was hard pressed to finish it.

As Aristotle said, virtue is found in balance and moderation!



17 comments:

  1. 100% agree, and once again, you said it perfectly. Ever think of writing a book?

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  2. I like your answer and agree with you. You put my feeling so nicely in your answer.

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  3. I love this - would anyone but you say "let us look to Aristotle" ?!! LOL

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  4. Love Aristotle's words! I'm definitely one for both - although I have said if I need to choose I'd favour the characters over the plot, but I think what makes a good book is when great characters and a strong plot go hand in hand!

    http://thebookgatherer.blogspot.com/2011/08/monday-musings_22.html

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  5. Gee, I wonder what that book is with too much internal dialog. Did it have anything to do with asparagus?

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  6. I agree. If a character becomes too whiny I put the book down.

    Here's my musing: http://diannehartsocksalex.wordpress.com/alexs-blogs/

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  7. I agree. If a character becomes too whiny I put the book down.

    Here's my musing: http://diannehartsocksalex.wordpress.com/alexs-blogs/

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  8. I've had good experiences with books that are one or the other, but the ones that rock my world have both. No, I don't think there is any need to settle!

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  9. Agreed. a book can work with one or the other being a little weak but a truly good book needs both.

    House Millar - Musing Mondays

    Aine

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  10. Oh my heavens Kaye, do not mention the asparagus too!

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  11. I couldn't have said it better myself.

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  12. I agree that you need both … but I would not have had the same philosophical bent to my comment.

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  13. I'm with you on this one - why can't we have both? Both are needed to make a good book.

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  14. Hello! Thanks for dropping by my blog!

    Nice musing!

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  15. i just installed a new router at our house. it has made a big improvement in the speed of our internet and we can actually see your pics now.

    thought you'd like to know!

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  16. a bit off subject...but thanks!

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  17. So long as a book has meaning to me, it's a great book regardless of whether it's plot- or character-driven.

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