Do you expect the author to know EVERYTHING about their character and/or story?

Question

Do you think that's realistic?

Can't say I expect them to know EVERYTHING, but I do expect them to have explanations on the things they mention in the story and/or about the characters.

Answer 1

Absolutely! Even if an author hasn't thought out every single tiny detail (like 'What flavor coffee does he/she like?') but if someone were to ask the author that kind of question I would expect them to answer without hesitation.

An author has to know everything about their character, not necessarily everything about every character, but the main characters. There is no other way to move the story along but by their motivations.

Answer 2

I honestly agree with you. =]

If it has nothing to do with the story or the development of the story, then why out it in there or why even take the time of developing it? If you are writing a fantasy story, then why say what their favorite color is or what their favorite book is if it has nothing to do with anything?

Answer 3

I expect the author to know all the backstories, each character's personality, and what the setting is like. They ought to know more, but I don't expect them to.

The one thing I hate is when an author comes up with some lame-@ss excuse in an interview after their book is released. Ever read one of Mrs. Meyer's interviews? You can tell that she's making up c**p on the spot. "Um, well, that's just how I saw it in my head. I don't know why." It's pathetic. If you don't know, don't try to cover it up or add it as an afterthought in your book. You might as well be putting spotlights on all the plot holes.

If the explanation isn't needed in the book, it's not important. The world doesn't have to know. The author still ought to know it, but they shouldn't go around handing out pointless explanations to every curious reader. That only confuses the readers (ahem...Stephenie Meyer).

My thinking is that the author should know just about everything that comes up in the book, but they can't just forget to explain it in the book and talk about it in an interview later. They ought to put all the important detail (even the small ones) in the book, and leave the rest in their head.  

Answer 4

Not everything.

Let's face it. No one knows the human nature completely and no one knows everything about a person. I expect them to know as much about their character as their siblings/parents.

  

Answer 5

If the author is writing fiction and of his or her own invention, then certainly I would expect the creator to know everything that is pertinent to the characters and the story which he or she has produced!  I have written two novels, and I believe that I am aware of whatever is related to those stories.  Your question is provocative, and I am wondering what has inspired it.  Have you had an experience in which you discovered that the author did not seem to knowledgeable in regard to his or her characters or plot?  If the author is lacking some crucial information, who else would have it?  It would simply be nonexistent in my opinion!

Answer 6

I wouldn't say everything, more like how you would know your best friend. Not every detail but how they would react to things and how they would deal with situations.

Also what are these events with breaking dawn? I was very disclosed from what was happening when I read it. I'm slightly confused about the entire situation.

Answer 7

I guess,after all its their character they can just make it up.  

Answer 8

I think they should. It shouldn't take too much effort, because in most cases, they make them up! But if they are writing a biography, then they should do some research before they decide to publish something that isn't legit.

If it is a fiction story, like I said, all they need to do is have the character set in mind, and if they are planning on writing a good story, then it might as well know as much as they can about their characters.

That is why I really like Twilight.. I feel like I am one with the characters, because I feel the agony Bella felt when Edward left, and how Edward must have felt when he found out that Bella jumped off of the cliff.

Anyways, yes, I do expect them to know everything about the character.. It only makes sense. Imagination is the key.

Answer 9

A character is like a human being. You can't really expect an author to know EVERYTHING about a character, like you can't know everything about your best friends. But it's quite realistic for an author to know their character's full name, parents' names, favorite color, etc, even if it never comes up with in the story. But, for stuff that /does/ show up in the story, the author should have explanations on it (even if the explanations don't show up in full). If they don't, then it's just poor writing.

Answer 10

no. some things have to be left to the imagination. and the way i see it, no one knows every little thing about anyone. so an author shouldnt have to i guess.

help me? http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?...

Answer 11

Everything, because It's their characters. Fleshing them out will make the characters realistic

Answer 12

Not completely.

I know Fitzgerald didn't know everything about Gatsby or even Nick. In fact, it is said that even Fitzgerald doesn't even know who the protagonist of his novel is.

But I do expect an author to be consistent with what they do know about their characters. I expect them to know the major flaws of a character.