The Page Turners discussion

I am interested in what readers think when a writer kills off an important or beloved character. I realize that authors have to take the story where it needs to go, but sometimes I wonder if it is a bit needless.

For example I think JK Rowling did a good job of balancing this out. The loss of characters (Dobby -sob!) showed us much was at stake, but she kept the central 3 alive. Philip Pullman (who is brilliant and one of my favorite writers) really made me angry in the second book of the Sally Lockhart series when he killed off a main character. I thought it just didn't fit and almost didn't read the 3rd book.

I think this is a difficult challenge for writers. Any comments on who you think did it well and where it just didn't feel right?

I remember reading the "High King" by Lloyd Alexander when I was a kid and crying so hard when Col died. But I loved that series and I loved the end. So, good example there.

My daughter thought that killing off Prim in the Hunger Games was totally unnecessary. That it was just for the emotional jolt. I tend to agree.

Sorry about the Prim reveal.

There has definitely got to be more of you out in readerland with an opinion on this.

I'll start the ball rolling again - Old Yeller was a tough one to take, but he did have rabies. So it was legit.

Did not see that one coming.

Yes old yellers ending made sense but it was terrible and so sad.

Let's just say Allegiant. The deaths were heart-wrenching and unnecessary!

Padgett wrote: "I remember reading the "High King" by Lloyd Alexander when I was a kid and crying so hard when Col died. But I loved that series and I loved the end. So, good example there.

My daughter thought th..."

I /so/ agree about Prim! I love that series, but man that pissed me off! I do think it was for the emotional jolt as well as to end any kind of relationship between Katniss and Gale. Which I think would have ended regardless. Won't say anymore in case someone hasn't read the book!

I just finished Legacy by Cayla Kluver and feel the need to go on a mini rant. For those of you who haven't read the series yet, you need to drop whatever you are doing and drive to the book store. Right now. Literally, RIGHT NOW. The story has a new, original premise with complex characters and a fast-paced plot that would intrigue many of members here at TPT. It is AMAZING.

I think I've made my point that I enjoyed it a great deal. Anyway, there were surprisingly few deaths in the first installment. I would have liked to see a few characters pushed off a cliff or mysteriously perish in their sleep. *Cough, cough, Steldor. And we'll throw the king in there for good measure. You need to read the series to fully understand why...

All kidding aside, this series was fantastic. I would recommend it to nearly every member. It is relatively undiscovered and hasn't received a great deal of popularity, but it is well worth the read.

I read "The Banned and the Banished" a little while ago, and was rather upset when one of my favourite characters was killed off! I know it's sucky when good people die, but I think it adds an element of realism to the book.