Plot driven vs. character driven-- I love them both. But even books with the most crazy, imaginative plots (HUNGER GAMES, anyone?) better give me characters that make me care. Characters I want to spend time with. Characters I HAVE to root for. Characters that break my heart.
When I read HUNGER GAMES, I was ready to jump in and watch Katniss's back. And I was Team Peeta all the way. But in John Green's latest novel, THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, Hazel and Augustus did more than break my heart. They shattered it.
Green's writing is so much more than witty dialogue and gritty truths. He finds ways to show fierceness and bravery in simple, unexpected choices.
Augustus doesn't smoke cigarettes. He dangles them. His biggest character tic is one of choice. That unlit cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth screams in frustration and pain, boasts of triumphs great and small, and shouts out laughter and fear.
All by choice. Augustus' choice.
In THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, lots of stuff happens that the characters can't control. And that broke my heart. But the choices they made -- well, that's what shattered it.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Tics That Make Characters Tick
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I like that you focused in this review post on an aspect that is also the book's theme. The title suggests the Shakespeare line about the fault being in character and not in the stars. You mentioned the author and the characters' choices. Your post left me no choice but to order the book. Good one!
ReplyDeleteMirka - have a box of tissues by your side when you reach the end!
ReplyDeleteIt's the small choices that the characters make that resonated so much with me.
I had this book on my long "to read" list after reading the reviews. Now I've moved it to the top.
ReplyDeleteGuess it's as good as the reviews said!
Oh, wow! What a review! This book is now definitely on my "to read" list, and soon! Thanks J.A.!
ReplyDeleteMy 13 year old just finished it ("really good" was her take) and The Fault in Our Stars was mentioned a few times at the winter SCBWI conference as an example of a fresh new story, great writing, great characters, etc. Can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteI have been itching to read this latest John Green novel. Now, after your wonderful review, I am making it my next read. Wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and analysis of character development focusing on the character's choices - book sounds masterful
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the comments everyone! Read and enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI loved, loved this book, and I think it's just what you said -- the little details that rang SO true emotionally.
ReplyDelete