Ask the Author– Killing Characters

This month is the month when spring begins. A new month,  new season, and of course, new life. So, naturally, we’ll be talking about killing characters. Well, at least that is why the question I will answer this month is about. So, here goes.

How do you feel about killing characters in your writing?

Unlike what it seems from some contemporary authors out there, killing characters is really not my favorite thing to do. That doesn’t mean I will never do it. The way I see it is killing a character can be a powerful tool in a writer’s tool box, but it is also a tool that should be used sparingly and for a very good reason. Here are some of the reasons I might consider killing a character.

1- Believability. In some situations, if a character doesn’t die, it isn’t believable. One of these reasons might be injuries. Certain injuries are just going to be fatal. Once in a while you might get a miracle recovery that seems believable, but if there are too many of those in one book or series, it gets a little harder to suspend your disbelief. For example, in The Fellowship of the ring Boromir becomes a human pincushion. That would qualify as a fatal wound. Perhaps he would have been able to believably been able to recover worth some amazing Elvish healing or some other spectacular cure, but Frodo had already done that, and it would have become redundant. And it also would have cheapened his sacrifice. But that fits more in with the next reason.

2- Character or plot development. Sometimes a death is a potent catalyst for some major character development, whether for the character that died, or the characters left behind. Also, if a character dies, it can impact the plot significantly and turn it in a desired direction. Back to BoromfeelHis death showed major character development and enables the reader to see that his strong, noble side overcame his weaker side. It played a substantial role in Denethor’s development. Unfortunately, it was a negative development. Boromir’s death also greatly influenced much of the plot. It was a key part in the separation of the fellowship. One of the best examples of a death giving the plot a major boost I can think of is that of Agent Colson in The Avengers. His death is what caused everyone to work together and stop tearing the group apart from within.

3- Closure. Sometimes a character needs to die for things to feel resolved. Although once in a while this might apply to a good guy, the most common occurrence of this is with the antagonist. If the bad guy dies, that usually means their part of the story is closed, and the problem they were posing has been or can now be resolved. The reader feels a certain sense of closure. However, while it can be an excellent way of dealing with the villain, it can also become a lazy way to not have to figure out what to do with the bad guys. If every bad guy you ever write about dies in the end, it might be time to explore more options. For an example, I will go back to The Lord of the Rings. One of the bad guys, Sarumon, doesn’t die, but is exiled. He turn up later to cause trouble, but is chased off again.

So, will I ever let a character die in one of my books? Probably, if there is a very good reason. Will I make killing of beloved characters a regular occurrence? No, I will not.

How do you feel about killing characters in books?