Setting changes and character abandonment: does this bother you?

[swvaughn]

So far, I've gotten mixed reactions on this, so I thought I'd ask all you avid reader and writer-type folks. :)

My current WIP is set in New Orleans at first. I introduce two major characters and a bunch of minor ones during the first four chapters, and spend time creating my own little New Orleans world. Then, in chapter 5, MC#1 (the main main character) is kicked out of the city, allegedly never to return.

The rest of the novel will take place in the fictional town of Devil's Bluff, Wyoming (don't laugh -- it's urban fantasy).

Now, this is the first installment of what I hope will be a series based around MC#1, who is a detective (and a zombie). MC#2, who's very well developed in the first four chapters, is his longtime partner on the force. MC#2 will still be involved in the book, and may even put in a personal appearance (haven't decided that yet).

My goal in doing this is to establish MC#1's regular life (unusual though it may be), and then take him away from everything that could possibly help him. However, I'm concerned that folks might not like MC#2's early departure (he certainly isn't happy with it).

Do you think it's a big no-no to mostly abandon a main character so early in the story, even though he's not THE main character? Is it okay to develop one setting and group of characters extensively, and then leave them behind for another setting and another (wacky) group?

Inquiring minds wanna know. :D

[cletus]

Could you not start the story when the MC arrives in Devil's Bluff?

[Shadow_Ferret]

Personally, it doesn't matter to me. If the first four chapters are interesting and have a bearing on the rest of the story (setting up the MC's personality, moral character, etc.). It certainly wouldn't bother me if you have a character there for 4 chapters and then that character isn't there any more.

However, if the story doesn't actually get interesting until Devil's Bluff, than maybe, as cletus suggests, that that would be where you start the story and if necessary, have some flashbacks or something to explain who he is, how he got there.

[swvaughn]

Thanks, guys!

I certainly hope it's interesting in the first four chapters. MC#1 dies (again) in the first chapter... :D

[sunna]

I don't think it'd be a problem for me, as long as I was attached enough to MC#1 to want to keep reading no matter where s/he ended up, and as long as I didn't feel like the story started in chapter 5.


And removing an MC is hard, but can be nice and heart-wrenching too. :)

[swvaughn]

And removing an MC is hard, but can be nice and heart-wrenching too. :)

Yes. One of the benefits to doing this I was thinking of ... much pain and suffering for MC#1. I like to cause pain and suffering. :D

[Wraith]

I'd be absolutely ok with it if in those four chapters I've grown to care for the MC. The important thing, imo, is that I care about the MC more than the secondary character who's left behind, more than the pretty setting and everything else - that he's the focus of the story in such a way that I'm glad to follow him (even to Devil's Bluff :D).

Also, I'm sure the four chapters are interesting, but they should also be relevant to the story. It's quite a bit of the story to leave behind, so I guess everything that happens there matters, right? If you've started the story at the right point you needn't worry, imo.

Good luck with your zombie of a detective. Sounds interesting. :)

[Namatu]

If you've started the story at the right point you needn't worry, imo.
I agree. Your MC's move, the resultant loss-adjustment-disorientation phase of a new place, and the loss of MC#2 could help the reader relate more to MC#1.

[David I]

Do you think it's a big no-no to mostly abandon a main character so early in the story, even though he's not THE main character?

Contrary to what you may hear, there are no "big no-nos" except that you shouldn't bore the reader.

Oh, there's things that are riskier than other things--but that doesn't make them bad.

For example, in Hitchcock's rendition of Psycho, Janet Leigh is clearly rendered as the protagonist. And then, well into the film, he kills her.

Risky? Oh, yeah. Does it work? Like a charm.