{ questions }

[delga]

K, I need to talk to people in the fandom so I'm going to cite a couple of names and hope y'all can help me out.
For the past four weeks, I've been trying to write a multi-fandom/meta post about characterisation and the evolution thereof. I'm still not quite there but I do want to write it. In that vein, d'y'all think you could answer some questions for me?

• Do you watch shows for character interactions or intricate plotlines?
  
• Have you ever been a fan of a character who underwent a massive overhaul over the course of a series?
  
• If yes, how did you feel about that change?
  
• Do you think characters should change over time or should they stay true to the form in which they first appeared?
  

I suspect that most of my issues with characterisation come from the fact that I watch procedural dramas and get annoyed when they enter the realm of soap opera. I know a lot of people watch these shows for the character stuff; I used to watch CSI and wait for the very Sar-centric episodes. But in the past year, since my focus has changed with regards to tv itself, I find myself approaching my fandoms in a different way.

Well, I started planning out what I wanted to say today but then I realise that the people who (very kindly) answered don't participate in the fandoms I'm talking about. Their answers, though, were really useful because now this meta is all new :) However, if I could please beg the following people to take a look at the above questions, please? svu_fan_4ever, raynedanser, __rainydaystars, crouchingmajor, muldy, natushka, snowpenguin545 & (if you get the chance cos I know you're super busy) wliberation. I know I'm begging loads of people but the more responses I get, the more likely that I can write something sunstantial and not fandomsquee. Please?

Comments

[crouchingmajor.livejournal.com]

1. Character interactions as they make a plotline believable.
2. Yes all characters undergo changes as shows take place, the longer the show is on the more the changes that are likely to take place.
3. Some of the changes are good and some are not so much, but like I said they happen if you want them too or not so you just have to try and work with them.
4. I think the characters should undergo changes while still staying true to the orignal character, they need to react to the situations around them or you just don't belive in them anymore. However if they suddenly change and become a diferent person you lose intrest in the and maybe the show itself.
Is that enough? Not that it matters 'cus it's all your gunna get with my curent lack of sleep!

[delgaserasca.livejournal.com]

Thanks for replying :)

[snowpenguin545.livejournal.com]

Hope this is okay:
1. I personally am a little shallow when it comes to my television watching. As far as svu goes, I started watching because I found the plot lines interesting and fell in love with the characters. I continue to watch because I want to see the characters grow and develop, but the plotlines keep me interested in between those glimpses into their personal lives.
2. I haven’t watched that many tv shows long enough to know for sure, but I’m starting to watch the first seasons of ER and I get to see how some of the doctors were in the beginning. I wouldn’t say they went through an extreme overhaul, they just grew up a little bit. So I guess my answer would be no.
3. I think characters should mature and change a little bit. I mean I wouldn’t want the “perfect” character to out of nowhere become an alcoholic or anything, but a little change every now and again is a good thing.

[delgaserasca.livejournal.com]

Aw, thanks so much for taking the time. And that's brilliant :) (I needed some L&O fans! How're you finding S1 ER? Even I haven't seen those eps, lol).

[snowpenguin545.livejournal.com]

Oh it's no problem. I was WAY bored. I bought the dvds =D They are frickin awesome! I'm in love with old school ER.