What does a work of fiction really need for you?

[IngevR]

We all have different wants and needs when it comes to books, movies, etc. So I was curious what it was for you guys that makes you love a piece to bits. Or what really ruins things.

I personally have a bit of a list;
- Character development. I love it when the character has undergone some change at the end. Maybe they learned something nice, maybe they ended up rather bitter; at least they're different than the way they started the story.
- Things happening rationally, instead of 'because the plot says so'. You know those scenes where a character does something really stupid even though they should be smarter than that? Yeah, that's what I mean.
- Three dimensional characters. Today I saw bits of a movie 'God is not dead' and the characterization just killed the entire thing. The protagonists seemed too saintly, the antagonists were portrayed as assholes. It's just so cookie cutter. Don't hold my hand like that, okay? I can make my own decisions on who's opinion I agree with. 
- Amazing cinematography. It's one of the many reasons I loved Peaky Blinders. Having things look pretty is one thing, but that show seems to really get the most out of every way of storytelling they have.


Not to say I can't enjoy anything that doesn't meet my every wish of course, but the more of those things are checked off, the happier I usually am.

So yeah, what makes you guys really enjoy a piece of fiction?

[kirsty]

Jun 14, 2016 20:17:51 GMT IngevR said:

- Character development. I love it when the character has undergone some change at the end. Maybe they learned something nice, maybe they ended up rather bitter; at least they're different than the way they started the story.

That's really about it for me.

Maybe good acting too

[IngevR]

Yeah, that certainly helps. I adore Cillian Murphy's acting in Peaky Blinders. That man can bring a character to life.