Aug 22, 2023
To:ChronoSigma
Yes, I see what you're talking about! I haven't watched to movie, so I can't go into detail about it, but I certainly know a few comparable stories, where the side characters are fleshed out in mere seconds.
I think that most manuscripts for the contest are probably more or less refined first drafts that have to be iterated upon further. This also happens to real screenplays. They are written sometimes several years before the first scene is even filmed (lately this time has shortened, but well ... that's a different issue) and countless people read through them to create the best version possible. Therefore, I think, YES, it is possible to create Hollywood-Level feats with a skilled eye (or other skilled eyes looking) looking on your work ... but it might take you more iterations than a Christopher Nolan.
That is not saying, that background characters aren't an issue with my writing. In my last novel it has been pretty similar, since my focus on the main storyline is much stronger. When I was writing story completely before publishing, these had always been the parts that needed the most love. Maybe I should exercise this part even more.
With this novel, I tried giving them quirks to provide for something to ground their personalities on: Ikaritake as the violent Tsundere, Nagashiki her low key unfaithful boyfriend, Toyoshima the grumpy old man who speaks the hard truths without thinking twice and so on. But I see, that their involvement in the story does not fully build onto that ... 🤔
So maybe I have to try to work out different ways how to approach my side characters 😅
Nonetheless, thank you so much for you honest feedback! That really helps me a lot in finding those week areas! 😊
