So, I'm considering

Chatterbox: Inkwell

So, I'm considering

So, I'm considering killing one of my main characters. Is this a really bad idea? If it isn't, does anyone have advice on how to do it? 

submitted by Zahava S. , age 12, Quarantine
(June 25, 2020 - 8:05 pm)

back to the Inkwell

I've killed exactly three characters in all of my stories/novels. I can't say I really liked the character dying but it was actually kind of fun to write in a morbid sense. And it definitely adds to the plot. 

As for advice, I wouldn't draw out the actual death scene, and also maybe avoid clichés as much as possible, which I learned from experience after a friend read my writing and told me it was tacky and old-fashioned. So yeah ;) 

submitted by Sirin, age nil, down the rabbit hole
(June 25, 2020 - 9:10 pm)

In my experience, it’s best to avoid cliches and drawn-out death scenes, like Sirin said. Also, you should remember not to let the other characters forget about the person’s death in a couple of chapters, and think about how they would react. I know this might seem obvious, but it’s actually pretty hard to weave new elements like that into the story, especially if it’s a major character’s death, so that’s something to keep in mind. 

 

submitted by A helpful CBer, who is also topping
(June 27, 2020 - 9:35 am)

I don't think it's a bad idea. Depending on what you have in mind, it could be necessary for character or plot development. I mean, I don't have much experience, because usually for me, characters die before the story even starts, but I'd say make sure the emotional impact lasts. Like, it's okay to have the other characters dwell on it in later chapters, cry, offer each other comfort, whatever. And, I guess, be sensitive to feedback from other people, since grief is kind of an emotional thing. But I bet you already know that. :)

Anyway, good luck and happy writing!

submitted by Summer, age tau, Nowhere at all
(June 27, 2020 - 9:13 pm)

I'd say go for it! Just make sure that killing the character actually does something for the plot, not just for an emotional reaction. I have plans to kill off a major character as well, and it's going to be a huge part of the story later on, and have a large impact on another character in particular. Other than that, what other people said is good advice. Good luck!

submitted by Quill
(June 28, 2020 - 4:50 pm)