That’s right people – it’s time for everyone’s favorite Friday social! As always, thanks to Jennifer over at Crazy-For-Books for hosting the book party! While you take a look at this week’s question, we’ll just be over here hanging out by the beverage table... again..."What do you consider the most important in a story: the plot or the characters?"
Well, another Friday and another difficult question. Is there really a wrong answer? Debating whether plot or character is more central to a great story is sort of like deciding between your heart and lungs. Sorry, but we’ll take both! That being said, if we absolutely had to make a choice - life depended on it - we’d say character… no plot. While we’ve been able to manage through a novel with one dimensional characters, it’s nearly impossible to keep turning the pages if the plot has systemic problems. For us, the plot is most…er important and strong characters are icing on the cake. At least that’s our or decision for the time being…
Have a wonderful weekend and be sure to stop by again real soon. Also, indulge the urge to click that button on the left side of your screen that includes the word “Follow”. It might just be the most exhilarating thing you do today… then again it might not, but how will you know unless you try.
Thanks for stopping by Southern Sassy Things! And you're right...it's great when good characters are the icing on the cake! :o)
ReplyDeleteHopping by again,
ReplyDeleteI agree both are important to really make a good book, but I have the opposite vote on what kills a book for me. If the characters involve me, I can plod through some dull plotting. But if the characters are one dimensional, I lose interest in the plot.
I choose character over plot. Exhibit A: Waiting For Godot by Samuel Beckett. Exhibit B: Everything by P.G. Wodehouse.
ReplyDeleteI agree, both is preferable. But if I had to choose, a good story will keep me reading. I'm a new follower! My hop is at Coffee Table Press
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by :)
ReplyDeleteAnd now I changed my mind again..should be plot, will change back soon again, lol
Thanks for stopping by my blog =)
ReplyDeleteI agree, there isn't a wrong answer for this questions. A matter of opinion (and mine keeps changing!)
Books For Company
Returning the Follow :) hop hop hop!
ReplyDeleteMoonlight Gleam's Bookshelf
Returning the visit from the Hop:) Thanks for stopping by my blog. Have a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteI actually felt the opposite way. I need good characters. I've read so many books that had what sounded like a good plot... but I ended up hating the book because the characters were so badly written.
ReplyDeleteHi! Thanks for stopping by The Enchanted Book! I was like you--plot, no character, no maybe plot...In the end, I really need both.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Selena
http://theenchantedbook.blogspot.com/
Hi hopping through to wish you a Very Happy Holiday. I have to say both plot and characters go hand in hand.
ReplyDeleteMy Follow Friday/Book Blogger Hop
Hello my dear,
ReplyDeleteI think that characters are very important. I love seeing what happen to them and I love to swoon over a few fictional boyfriends more then I should. ;)
I'm also the creator of Morbid Romantica Challenge 2011 which I'm trying to get off the ground. It should be a very fun challenge. AND it wont seem like homework. *smirk*
Today was the start of a Hardcover giveaway for Beautiful Creatures and Beautiful Darkness @ Ridley's Giveaway
Mad Scientist
Steampunkery & Book Reviews
Thanks for stopping by at our blog.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you plot is slightly more important than characters. It's what makes me finish the book.
And I indulge the urge to click the button: New follower!
This might be the best Book Blogger Hop question I've seen to date.
ReplyDeleteSo what's the answer? Plot! Hop over to my blog and let me tell you how a good plot rescued bad characters from bad book oblivion.
Howard Sherman
http://www.howardsherman.net
Thanks for stopping by - I'm returning the follow!
ReplyDeleteIt's honestly a question I could go back and forth on.
Have a great weekend!
Poetry to Prose
Thanks for stopping by E-Volving Books :)
ReplyDeleteI know - it was so difficult to choose between plot and character!
Thanks for hopping by! I'm a new follower.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Returning the hop! I completely agree that this is a very difficult question to answer. I went with characters, but after reading a few other responses I'm not sure anymore... I keep trying to imagine Dirk Pitt with no plot. Nope, doesn't work.
ReplyDeleteI'm here from the hop... :)
ReplyDeleteI'd have to say that characters are more important to me. I will normally continue reading a book with a boring story line if the characters are good enough.
Happy Holidays!