I Hate This in a Character

Well, what is it I hate?

Put simply, it is the “There’s a spooky noise in the basement. I shall investigate.” That is, the character does something stupid.

I’ve been reading a couple of books recently where in order to move the plot forward in the desired direction, the author makes their previously somewhat sensible character (a) not learn from previous mistakes and (b) not think through the consequences and go investigate the cellar.

I just get annoyed by this. How many people will rush down into the cellar upon hearing a suspicious noise? They may go but not without first taking all the precautions they can. Perhaps take someone with them; arm themselves; plan an escape if the “noise” is dangerous. They won’t simply plunge in. And yet, because the writer needs the plot to go in a certain way, they do.

In my personal opinion, this is poor. I find my self stopping reading when this happens out of annoyance and frustration that we have a main character behaving like a stupid jerk. Can this really be the hero of the story? Well, if it is a comedy, indeed. But a more conventional story. No. No. If we need said character to find out something about events or people, then the way to do it is not to make them do something stupid but to write a plot that allows said information or experience said event in a way that seems natural.

I like to think about this in the context of Jurassic Park. The project is stupid. Fine. Taht is the premise of the story. A chance to play god with creation. Given the stakes, the project has its critic and enthusiasts. But when the rubber hits the road when things go pear shaped, there is no real stupidity by any of the characters. There’s no ‘Let’s feed the dinosaur.” moment. Everyone behaves naturally based on their personality. Hence, the story—however improbable—is satisfying. The sequels less so.

In terms of characterisation and story, the first Alien movie is perfect in that regard. Whilst the slow burn probably doesn’t appeal to the current generation, the showing of the characters’s traits and behaviours in the initial 20 or so minutes means that when they face the unimaginable, they act in character. Again, whilst the premise is the horror in the basement, no one acts stupidly. Yes, they make mistakes. But that’s because they don’t know/appreciate what it is they face. It dawns on them slowly. This is good story development.