For a Reader to Digest- part2 page11

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Vee

@reflorated

Rocker

+ 4

Posted: 12 years ago

#81

I am honoured that so many of you have contributed so much to this topic. I really appreciate the time you take out to muse, and offer your valuable opinion.

However, there is one clarification I want to make, before we move one. I HAVE NOT MADE THIS POST TO GIVE READERS A MANUAL.

This post was created with intent to help readers and writers establish a better relationship. Not only does that help the writer grow in terms of their writing, the fact that the readers pay attention to these little things... it will help the readers enjoy the story more. All readers are special... and all readers are amazing. The fact that you have read my story... THANK YOU. You have liked it. A bigger thank you, for letting me know that it isn't as bad as I feared. You have found my story worth commenting. Take all my love. As much as you want.

Now that part is clarified... here it is-

The Relationship between a Reader and a Character

The relationship between a reader and a character is very important. And by a relationship, I mean of both kinds. Positive and negative.

Every character speaks differently to different people. For instance, a character like Khushi may be liked by people who respect her for holding onto her beliefs about Devi Maiyya and the same trait in Khushi may not appeal somebody. That is fine. Your opinion is different from what the writer has imagined. That is COMPLETELY okay.

I will give an example... not related to reading a story. I am sure all of you are aware of people killing off the female foetus? That idea to me is barbaric. It is beyond my comprehension. I do not understand the point of killing off a child even before it is born. Just because it is a girl. However, it is happening out there. There are cases where women are forced to abort their children... but I digress. The point of the example snippet was to let you know, that in some stories, there will be certain traits in a character you may not relate to. You may not understand. That is fine. The writer writes a character based on what they are seeing. So if you read a story with characters... with certain qualities you do not understand, that is completely fine. I repeat, it is alright to have different opinions. Characters, in a way, are human too. And try as you might, you cannot like everybody.

It is okay to have different opinion about a character. But, to enjoy a story, you will have to read... and let the character speak to you.

V says:

I say that having a different opinion from that of others about a certain character is alright, because I have done it. I will give you an example snippet. I am sure most, if not all, may have heard of arisai (She is the BAWS, just by the way B|) and her FF- Tainted? Payal is characterized as a highly selfish being in the particular story. All her readers hated her (Payal, I mean), but I disagreed. If this were a post glorifying the story, I would have gone on and on as to why I disagreed and why I love reading that story... and why do I find it so intriguing, but seeing as in this particular post that would clarify as digressing, I will move on.

Having a difference in opinion from that of the rest of the readers and the author is perfectly, absolutely fine. In my dictionary.

The way I see it, as long as you haven't plagiarized... or haven't misunderstood something... it is perfectly okay. [For example- suppose I was talking about Anjali, and I suddenly started talking about Arnav kissing 'her'... but I haven't mentioned who it was. I wouldn't want you to assume that Arnav was kissing Anjali, now would I?] A story is welcome for different interpretations.

The way I see it, if I am a human, my readers are human too.

Do you think the relationship between a reader and a character is important? I would love to hear from you. Please to share your thoughtful inputs... I enjoy reading them.

Edited by V323 - 12 years ago

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RasgullaSP

@Rasgulla_sp

Trailblazer

+ 6

Posted: 12 years ago

#82

r

Don't get unsettled I'll unres this in 2 hours. I'm at work and this post requires attention.

We know we are awesome :)

Thanks V

Edited:

As a Writer:

I have a ready example to give in reply to your post.

In both Unnamed and Finding Solace, I have shown Khushi to be virginal and Arnav anything but that. I am not being hypocritical. I personally do not believe that men have the sanction to sleep around while girls should be purity personified. But in both these stories I have ArHi portrayed such because that is how I perceive Arnav and Khushi on the show. In my head Arnav Singh Raizada who doesn't care two hoots about the society won't think of socially acceptable behaviour and indulge himself physically whenever he deems fit. Whereas for Khushi Kumari Gupta social acceptance and love is of utmost importance. How love affects and transforms both is then the part of the story.

I tried explaining this to a reader over a series of PMs. But she refused to accept my POV. To her I am demeaning Khushi by making her fall in love with someone who is not worthy of her. Getting tired, I finally asked her not to read if she doesn't like it. She said she will continue to read as it was her right as a reader to decide what to read. I told her fine. Then she asked me to change my perception of Arnav to suit hers and to write my stories accordingly. I told her not possible. I am not a very creative writer. There is only so much that I can do to my characters. I gave up then.

Moral of the story: Yes, I like when my readers are open to ideas they are not accustomed to, when they relate to the characters without getting personal about them and give me a chance to explore things my way without dictating my actions.

This was only one instance, she was civil and I gave up. I wonder how do authors handle continuous harassment...

As A Reader:

I HATE it... yes hate it when writers hold their readers to ransom. That unless they get say 400 likes and 200 comments they won't update the next part. There are some who have the audacity to say that they have the chapter written but are not updating it... I feel like committing mass murders then 😡

Isn't my "like" to your liking? Isn't my comment good enough? I am as much a reader of yours as the 200th commenter. As a writer I understand the importance of comments. But comments are like gifts to be presented to you with honor. Not demanded at gun point. Bas!

Looomnnnggg post. I hope V323 at least you read it. Don't dose off 😃

Edited by Rasgulla_sp - 12 years ago

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lazyleaves

@lazyleaves

Stunner

+ 7

Posted: 12 years ago

#83

I will edit this when i reach home

Stop praising yourself sister. Just praise me :D

I am finally here to edit this post. My niece is keeping me busy and her mother that is my sister plotted with my mother to make sure that I don't be anywhere near the netbook or my phone and keep me engaged in work 😭 and they were successful in doing so. Bohot kaam karaya 😭

Now to your post. I do feel that the relationship between the reader and the character is important, I like it when readers can relate to a character or predict what the character can or cannot do. But of course a character will not be close to every reader so not every reader is pleased. I never change the character if I am asked to do so however polite that request may be. I have a certain perception of my characters and I will do it the way I like it. If I will try and please everyone then the character will look like khichdi. Hence, I make sure that my readers are able to relate to the character through my writing and i just hope and pray that I am able to do that. Otherwise, mein aur kya karu?

In continuation to my sister's comment over a reader who doesn't like Arnav sleeping around with other girls was immensely happy that the Arnav of one of my SS doesn't do that 😆😆

Edited by lazyleaves - 12 years ago

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Vee

@reflorated

Rocker

+ 4

Posted: 12 years ago

#84

Originally posted by: rasgulla_sp
r

Originally posted by: lazyleaves
t

I love you two awesome sisters🤗

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Cogito_Ergo_Sum

@Cogito_Ergo_Sum

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 12 years ago

#85

A very thought provoking 2nd part...

Well, I guess its part of exemplary writing that makes the readers connect with the characters. Some of the characters we identify with and love, others we want to subject to one tight slap!! 😊

And yes, the reader may not interpret the character the same way the writer has planned. That's the beauty of truly great fiction isn't it? It draws out the readers' own memories and experiences and encourages them to arrive at their own interpretations and conclusions.

Even historical facts are subject to differing interpretations- ask any country who lost a war and the opposite party who won!! And different shades of opinion in between for parties who weren't directly involved...

So why should fiction be any different? I do feel that the reader can (and perhaps should?) interpret the story the way they want to. And there's really no problem if this differs from the writer's interpretation.

What sometimes causes fur to fly, is when the author then feels the reader is 'bashing the character' or the reader, in turn, insists on forcing the author to see things their way. There's really no need to bring about this unanimity of thought. Agreeing to Disagree is always an option! 😛

Would like to mention an example here, without taking any names. There was an IPKKND inspired FF I was following on a blog. The male lead here was really a rather 'anti hero' kind of persona. Repeated references were made by the author herself to the character's continuing promiscuity and hot headedness. But the author took umbrage at a reader who, along with expressing considerable admiration for the author's writing style, wondered why the male lead was behaving this way and if the female lead was perhaps better off not marrying him. The author retaliated quite rudely, asking the reader to stop reading and go to some other site promoting social awareness!!

I have no idea if that other reader stopped reading or not, but I certainly did. 😊 Perhaps I missed out on a very good story, but I didn't want to be part of an audience who was expected to only shower adulation and not express any reservations or differing opinions...

Bottomline is, if the author has the courage to create a complex, layered character with definite shades of grey, they should expect the readers to have conflicting emotions towards that character. After all, no one in real life is perfect either, and all of us, however lovable, have at least somebody who doesn't care too much for us! So why expect an admittedly flawed fictional character to be loved/ admired by everyone?

Cheers...

Edited by RamnVij - 12 years ago

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Nameera

@Nmyra

Voyager

+ 5

Posted: 12 years ago

#86

Res will edit both of the res's asap!

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amritab

@amritab

Navigator

Posted: 12 years ago

#87

I am a reader and not a writer. This is a great thread V and reading the viewpoints of some of my favorite authors on this forum has been a treat. It's enhanced my reading experience.

As to part 2, I think one of the great difficulties authors will face when writing on this forum is that most readers are reading their works because they have an affinity for the characters in the serial. Of course along with that affinity comes preconceived notions of the characters - and those preconceived notions are then carried through to the authors' works. This is especially true when it comes to Arnav and Khushi, but I can certainly see it applying to Payal, Akash, NK, Nani, Anjali as those characters are also beloved. I find it disconcerting when I read comments from readers who are upset that the author's portrayal of a character from the serial does not fit in to that reader's vision of the character. The story is not the show - the difference must be clear, musn't it? I make an effort in my comments to refer to characters in the story and not the show because to not do so would be an injustice to the author's creativity. A well-written story will always engender an attachment in the reader to the story's characters - it's what makes the experience enjoyable.

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segad

@segad

Inactive

Posted: 12 years ago

#88

Very nice part 2 V.

I would like to point out some interactions I have had with some of the writers on the forum. Positive and off putting.

One of the stories I am reading deals with a Khushi who gave up her kid for adoption at birth. Arnav adopts the kid and brings him up. Years later, Khushi decides she wants to reclaim the kid. It is a mature topic in that the Khushi had a relationship before marriage with a guy (not Arnav) and thus the kid. I found that the treatment of the topic was being done in a very mature and adult manner however, I thought it lacked adequate representation of the damage likely to be inflicted on the kid as a result of the birth mother showing up trying to reclaim him. I was not hesitant in my comments. To her credit, the author has been FANTASTIC about keeping a dialogue going on this topic, acknowledging the diverse POVs and incorporating suggestions. Thus the story instead of focusing solely on Arnav Khushi now actually holds promise to be something different.

On the other hand, some of the authors get defensive if you even make a comment about a career choice for one of characters. One of the stories had Arnav having oodles of cash but working as a police detective. I commented that it was an odd career choice for a person with oodles of cash. Why put your life on the line if you don't have too? The response was it's my Arnav, my choice. True. But does that make me want to read further knowing that the attitude is suck it up, don't even dare voice an opinion unless it is laudatory. Basically tells me that the story is not really up for comments. Take it or leave it. Well guess what, I left.

The point I am trying to make is that you are right, writers write from their perspective about a character but readers will perceive based on their perspective. Writing is a skill because it implies the ability to get your reader to see the character from your perspective. Reading is also a skill because it implies the ability to set aside your preconceptions and put yourself in the mind of the writer/characters of the story.

Is this truly how we approach reading and writing on this forum? Some of the comments I read seem to hold the television serial portrayal as God's honest truth. My question then becomes, why bother reading any of the stories if all you want is more of the same. I personally enjoy when the writer takes the characters on a different ride.

Edited by segad - 12 years ago

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aura9

@aura9

Voyager

Posted: 12 years ago

#89

Only a Good writer can state the ideal qualities required in a reader. Since I'm no writer I really don't know. But the above mentioned quality that is read each and every line and try to understand it is very important.

I as a reader try to look at the story through different angles to such an extend that at times I find myself empathizing with the villain. At times I'm caught in a conflict of emotions regarding a particular character and finally end up commenting something incredibly stupid.

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aura9

@aura9

Voyager

Posted: 12 years ago

#90

Originally posted by: V323
I am honoured that so many of you have contributed so much to this topic. I really appreciate the time you take out to muse, and offer your valuable opinion.

However, there is one clarification I want to make, before we move one. I HAVE NOT MADE THIS POST TO GIVE READERS A MANUAL.

This post was created with intent to help readers and writers establish a better relationship. Not only does that help the writer grow in terms of their writing, the fact that the readers pay attention to these little things... it will help the readers enjoy the story more. All readers are special... and all readers are amazing. The fact that you have read my story... THANK YOU. You have liked it. A bigger thank you, for letting me know that it isn't as bad as I feared. You have found my story worth commenting. Take all my love. As much as you want.

Now that part is clarified... here it is-

2
The Relationship between a Reader and a Character
The relationship between a reader and a character is very important. And by a relationship, I mean of both kinds. Positive and negative.

Every character speaks differently to different people. For instance, a character like Khushi may be liked by people who respect her for holding onto her beliefs about Devi Maiyya and the same trait in Khushi may not appeal somebody. That is fine. Your opinion is different from what the writer has imagined. That is COMPLETELY okay.
I will give an example... not related to reading a story. I am sure all of you are aware of people killing off the female foetus? That idea to me is barbaric. It is beyond my comprehension. I do not understand the point of killing off a child even before it is born. Just because it is a girl. However, it is happening out there. There are cases where women are forced to abort their children... but I digress. The point of the example snippet was to let you know, that in some stories, there will be certain traits in a character you may not relate to. You may not understand. That is fine. The writer writes a character based on what they are seeing. So if you read a story with characters... with certain qualities you do not understand, that is completely fine. I repeat, it is alright to have different opinions. Characters, in a way, are human too. And try as you might, you cannot like everybody.

It is okay to have different opinion about a character. But, to enjoy a story, you will have to read... and let the character speak to you.

V says:
I say that having a different opinion from that of others about a certain character is alright, because I have done it. I will give you an example snippet. I am sure most, if not all, may have heard of arisai (She is the BAWS, just by the way B|) and her FF- Tainted? Payal is characterized as a highly selfish being in the particular story. All her readers hated her (Payal, I mean), but I disagreed. If this were a post glorifying the story, I would have gone on and on as to why I disagreed and why I love reading that story... and why do I find it so intriguing, but seeing as in this particular post that would clarify as digressing, I will move on.

Having a difference in opinion from that of the rest of the readers and the author is perfectly, absolutely fine. In my dictionary.

The way I see it, as long as you haven't plagiarized... or haven't misunderstood something... it is perfectly okay. [For example- suppose I was talking about Anjali, and I suddenly started talking about Arnav kissing 'her'... but I haven't mentioned who it was. I wouldn't want you to assume that Arnav was kissing Anjali, now would I?] A story is welcome for different interpretations.

The way I see it, if I am a human, my readers are human too.
Do you think the relationship between a reader and a character is important? I would love to hear from you. Please to share your thoughtful inputs... I enjoy reading them.

This according to me is the most important relationship. At times I'm so much into the story that I forget to appreciate the author.

And yes many times I have a different opinion about a character from the rest. It actually happens because we all come from different backgrounds and as each writer is different so is a reader. The reader's opinion depends upon his/her understanding of the situation. No two readers and writers can be the same.

I'm glad that you try to understand the readers.

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For a Reader to Digest- part2 page11 - Page 9

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