Dissecting Dragons:Episode 174: We All Deserve to Die - Killing Off Characters the Right Way in Speculative Fiction

Episode 174: We All Deserve to Die - Killing Off Characters the Right Way in Speculative Fiction

 

Every SFF author at some point has to entertain the possibility of killing a character, even if the 'death' is not an actual death but a ritual death which removes a character from the narrative. It can be hard, especially if it's a character you're really fond of. It's also a delicate balancing act between making your reader feel something (sorrow, rage, elation - for a hated villain) and yet making the death fit the narrative in a way that the reader does not feel cheated. This week Jules and Madeleine look at how to kill off a character the right way - and what to avoid doing at all costs! On the slab this week Allegiant by Veronica Roth, The Book Thief by Mark Zusak, A Court of Wings and Ruin by S J Mass and many more.

(Please bear in mind that this episode will contain spoilers for the books and films discussed.)

 

Title Music: Ecstasy by Smiling Cynic