The Emotional Journey of Killing a Fictional Character

Writing a fictional character is a deeply personal experience, immortalizing moments and emotions within your narrative. However, one of the most challenging and emotionally draining tasks an author may face is the act of killing a character. This decision can vary greatly based on the character's role, emotional attachment, and the narrative's perspective. Let's delve into the intricate process and emotions surrounding such pivotal moments in literature.

Understanding the Impact of Character Death

When an author decides to kill a fictional character, the emotional response can be complex and multifaceted. Whether it's a major character or a minor one, the act of ending a life brings with it a sense of loss that extends beyond the characters themselves. Consider the following:

Why and How You Decide to Kill a Character

Authors often face tough decisions about character death, influenced heavily by the plot, character arcs, and the emotional depth of the narrative. For instance, the death of a good guy can be emotionally taxing to write, whereas the demise of a malevolent character might seem anticlimactic or oddly relieving. This emotional rollercoaster can be especially intense when the character is closely tied to the perspective character in a narrative (POV character).

Attachment and Sentimentality

It's not uncommon for an author to develop strong attachments to their characters, leading to a form of emotional investment when writing their demise. If the character is a significant part of the narrative and their death hits close to home, the emotional toll can be significant. For example, the idea of a character's parents mourning them or their children being left vulnerable after their death can evoke strong sentiments. Similarly, an author might grow to like their characters over time, both before and after the decision to kill them, leading to a deeper attachment and subsequent sadness.

Negative vs. Positive Reactions

While some authors may struggle with the emotional weight of writing a character's death, others might find it oddly liberating or even fun. As one author mentioned, killing off a villain in a moral victory can be strangely enjoyable. However, the emotional journey often ends with retrospection, where the author might find themselves growing more attached to the character after the fact, making the task even more challenging.

Writing Major Character Deaths

Major character deaths are by no means a trivial decision. To write such a character well, an author must invest in their emotional journey, ensuring that their death is impactful and meaningful. Leading up to the event, the author might find themselves going through various creative stages, ranging from despair to anticipation. Anticipating the emotional impact and working out the details meticulously can make the final scene more impactful.

Respecting the Character and the Plot

It's important to remember that character deaths should not be taken lightly, especially if they are major. Authors who view character deaths as merely a plot device to 'shuffle the deck' may be falling into a harmful mindset. Instead, killing a character should be a strategic and integral part of the narrative, contributing to the overall story arc and character development. While minor character deaths may not evoke such deep emotions, every death should respect the character and the reader's investment in their story.

Conclusion

Killing a fictional character is a significant and challenging task that requires careful consideration and emotional fortitude. Whether it's the death of a beloved character or a villainous antagonist, the act of their demise can evoke a range of emotions, from sadness and loss to a sense of liberation. It is crucial for authors to respect and honor the lives they create, ensuring that their deaths are impactful, meaningful, and serve the greater narrative purpose. Through careful planning and emotional awareness, authors can navigate this complex process with grace and authenticity, enriching the reader's experience in the process.