As a reader it is always a conundrum when deciding if the plot is less or more important, than the characters in a book. I loved reading the Perks of Being a Wallflower, which was mostly character driven. When a novel is character driven you get to know the main character really well, I felt really did connect with Charlie in the Perks of Being a Wallflower. However, I also have a liking for fast paced plot driven novels. One example being Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. This novels has lots of funny characters which are used to enhance the plot. Good Omens is a really funny book but you never fully connect with a single character on an emotional level.
I believe that the plot can be balanced by detailed narrative concerning specific characters. It is no surprise to see book series like a Song of Ice and Fire and Harry Potter do so well. Both book series have interesting plots, but you also get to really know the characters. Granted the plot for a Song and Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Maritn, is long and complicated, but the fact the story is told through various viewpoints enables the reader to connect with many characters.
There is a reason why Dracula by Bram Stoker is still widely read and that is because it is a perfect balance between character development and plot building. In my opinion good films follow a similar formula. Iron 3 was better than Iron 2, because it balanced out the epic action sequences with good character development. As a viewer I want to know who Iron Man really is.
My conclusion is that character development is equally important as plot development, though neither work without a good setting and concept.
Tuesday 30 September 2014
Sunday 28 September 2014
The Pokemon Tag
Just a fun tag where I associate pokemon with questions to do with interests and likes. I tag anyone who wishes to do this tag.
I sometimes play video games. My favourite game at the moment is Pokemon Y, though I will play any game that involves more than one player and have a mess around.
Moltres: Dream holiday?
I would love to visit Japan. The culture in Japan interests me as it is so different than Western culture.
Rattata: What is your favourite thing to eat?
My favourite meal is Macaroni Cheese.
Alakazam: What is your favourite book?
My favourite book is the Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Fantasy is one of my favourite genres, and this is an amazing book.
Chansey: How do you relax at the end of a stressful day?
When feeling stressed I put the kettle on and have a cup of tea. I also tend to read or watch TV to relax as well. Moreover, music is also a help, especially when one is feeling anxious.
Porygon: Your favourite game? (video game or tabletop)
Mewtwo: Your most powerful quote?
Exploud: What music do you listen to?
I listen to mostly rock music and music from movies. I love the Lord of the Rings soundtrack as it helps bring the films to life.
I would love to visit Japan. The culture in Japan interests me as it is so different than Western culture.
Friday 26 September 2014
Birthday and New Books
I turned 23 this week and for my birthday I was given two books. They are both novels by Neil Gaiman. I am particularly looking forward to reading Neverwhere, urban fantasy is a genre I do want to get into.
My reading habits are changing as I am trying to read from a variety of different authors. Novels are pieces of art, sources of entertainment and portals into the minds of different people. Books cannot be replaced by films and video games, but I believe they can co-exist with each other. Personally I enjoy reading books, watching films and playing video games.
In my next blog post I will be discussing the importance of strong characters in a book or film versus the importance of a gripping plot.
My reading habits are changing as I am trying to read from a variety of different authors. Novels are pieces of art, sources of entertainment and portals into the minds of different people. Books cannot be replaced by films and video games, but I believe they can co-exist with each other. Personally I enjoy reading books, watching films and playing video games.
In my next blog post I will be discussing the importance of strong characters in a book or film versus the importance of a gripping plot.
Doctor Who - Series 8 - Time Heist
The Doctor is apparently forced into robbing a bank by the mysterious architect. He must lead a team including Clara, Psi and Saibra to follow the architect's instructions to rob the Bank of Karabraxos. The bank's security is tight which includes an alien called the Teller, which feeds on the thoughts of a person's mind until their mind becomes soup. The Teller senses guilt so the Doctor and the team must not show guilt.
This episode involves a lot of more traditional Sci-fi elements; aliens, advanced technology and time travel. Spoiler alert, do not continue to read if you have not watched this episode. Towards the end of the episode it is revealed that the Doctor was the architect and that the robbery was a well planned heist in order to save the last two Tellers in existence. The reason for the memory wipe was to prevent the Teller from sensing any guilt.
In this episode the Doctor take the lead and Clara is not quite the centre of attention as in previous episodes. Both David Tennant and Matt Smith did a fantastic job at being the Doctor, and I hope that Peter Capaldi gets the opportunity to bring something new to the character of the Doctor.
This episode involves a lot of more traditional Sci-fi elements; aliens, advanced technology and time travel. Spoiler alert, do not continue to read if you have not watched this episode. Towards the end of the episode it is revealed that the Doctor was the architect and that the robbery was a well planned heist in order to save the last two Tellers in existence. The reason for the memory wipe was to prevent the Teller from sensing any guilt.
In this episode the Doctor take the lead and Clara is not quite the centre of attention as in previous episodes. Both David Tennant and Matt Smith did a fantastic job at being the Doctor, and I hope that Peter Capaldi gets the opportunity to bring something new to the character of the Doctor.
Friday 19 September 2014
Hunger Games, Animal Farm and liberty.
The books I have recently read have a common theme, liberty. The Hunger Games is about how one girl inspires a rebellion against a totalitarian state, the Capitol. Katniss is a strong character who has to deal with media attention, staying alive, keeping others alive and inspiring a rebellion. The plot of the Hunger Games trilogy is based around the fight for liberty. However, Katniss ends up becoming a tool to bring down President Snow and is given little liberty.
Animal Farm by George Orwell is about the animals rebelling against the human farmers and creating a farm run by pigs. Similar to the Hunger Games, the leaders of the rebellion become corrupted by power and become no better than the previous regime. The pigs become human, just like the Soviet Union became a totalitarian state. Orwell was a socialist, but he was against any state control that threatened human liberty.
Coin, leader of the rebellion became corrupted by power and saw Katniss as a threat to her ambition to become the next President of Panem. Power can even corrupt those who fight from liberty.
My interpretation of these two works of fiction do not completely address the issue of liberty and the methods to achieve it. Moreover, universal agreement of the definition of liberty needs addressing. Is liberty the freedom to do what we want or is it the freedom to live our lives whilst following the laws created by the politicians we vote for? If the latter, then the issue of constitutional reform becomes an issue. In the USA they have two elected houses and the President is also elected directly. The UK may need a similar system to become fully democratic.
Reading dystopian novels can help give answers because they create an image of a world in crisis. In times of crisis governments make tough unpopular decisions. I do intend to read Nineteen-Eighty-Four, because it deals with the issue of too many cameras watching our every move. CCTV cameras are supported by people who have nothing to hide, but there is a danger that increased surveillance could lead to a big invasion of our privacy. I will end the post here as the debate is endless.
Animal Farm by George Orwell is about the animals rebelling against the human farmers and creating a farm run by pigs. Similar to the Hunger Games, the leaders of the rebellion become corrupted by power and become no better than the previous regime. The pigs become human, just like the Soviet Union became a totalitarian state. Orwell was a socialist, but he was against any state control that threatened human liberty.
Coin, leader of the rebellion became corrupted by power and saw Katniss as a threat to her ambition to become the next President of Panem. Power can even corrupt those who fight from liberty.
My interpretation of these two works of fiction do not completely address the issue of liberty and the methods to achieve it. Moreover, universal agreement of the definition of liberty needs addressing. Is liberty the freedom to do what we want or is it the freedom to live our lives whilst following the laws created by the politicians we vote for? If the latter, then the issue of constitutional reform becomes an issue. In the USA they have two elected houses and the President is also elected directly. The UK may need a similar system to become fully democratic.
Reading dystopian novels can help give answers because they create an image of a world in crisis. In times of crisis governments make tough unpopular decisions. I do intend to read Nineteen-Eighty-Four, because it deals with the issue of too many cameras watching our every move. CCTV cameras are supported by people who have nothing to hide, but there is a danger that increased surveillance could lead to a big invasion of our privacy. I will end the post here as the debate is endless.
Sunday 14 September 2014
Geek/Nerd Culture
I myself consider myself somewhere between being a geek and a nerd. I am obsessed with reading books, especially Sci fi and Fantasy. In terms of video games I really like Pokémon; I cannot wait for November for the new games. Lord of the Rings is my favourite book and film trilogy. I admire the amount of detail and work Tolkien put in to create Middle Earth.
In the 21st century geek/nerd culture has become a little more mainstream. More people are proud to proclaim their geekhood and now laugh in the face of ridicule. Most elements of being a geek are no longer looked down upon, though I do think that more people need convincing that reading is cool as well. Science fiction and fantasy novels, along with comic books and manga, are in my opinion are awesome and show that you are a true geek/nerd. I was a major Harry Potter geek, (I still am), which included reading the books, watching the films and owning some Harry Potter merchandise.
There is an old saying that geeks would one day inherit the earth. In a way they already have. Modern life is dominated by technology, the most popular films at the moment are sci-fi, fantasy or based off comic books and video games have become more universally popular. My only problem is people who pretend to be geeks to appear cool. I consider myself mostly a book geek, though I have other geeky passions, like playing pokemon. Though it is difficult to pretend to be a geek because geek culture is so diverse. There are book geeks, comic book geeks, video game geeks, technology geeks, tabletop gaming geeks, film geeks and many more. The diversity in geek/nerd culture is what makes it so great, lots of people being proud of having obsessions and intellectual interests.
My book recommendation if you consider yourself a bit of a geek/nerd is Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, though Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett is also awesome.
In the 21st century geek/nerd culture has become a little more mainstream. More people are proud to proclaim their geekhood and now laugh in the face of ridicule. Most elements of being a geek are no longer looked down upon, though I do think that more people need convincing that reading is cool as well. Science fiction and fantasy novels, along with comic books and manga, are in my opinion are awesome and show that you are a true geek/nerd. I was a major Harry Potter geek, (I still am), which included reading the books, watching the films and owning some Harry Potter merchandise.
There is an old saying that geeks would one day inherit the earth. In a way they already have. Modern life is dominated by technology, the most popular films at the moment are sci-fi, fantasy or based off comic books and video games have become more universally popular. My only problem is people who pretend to be geeks to appear cool. I consider myself mostly a book geek, though I have other geeky passions, like playing pokemon. Though it is difficult to pretend to be a geek because geek culture is so diverse. There are book geeks, comic book geeks, video game geeks, technology geeks, tabletop gaming geeks, film geeks and many more. The diversity in geek/nerd culture is what makes it so great, lots of people being proud of having obsessions and intellectual interests.
My book recommendation if you consider yourself a bit of a geek/nerd is Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, though Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett is also awesome.
Sunday 7 September 2014
Doctor Who Series 8 - Robot of Sherwood Review
This episode I enjoyed quite a bit. The Doctor gets to meet
the legend that is Robin Hood, though he himself cannot believe it. This episode
deals a lot with the issue of rationality versus legendary heroism. The banter
between the Doctor and Robin Hood was quite funny. The sub-plot involved robots
and the sheriff of Nottingham. The robots add the sci-fi dynamic to this
medieval themed episode, though the main part of the episode was focused on the
Doctor and Robin Hood. Clara played the role of the clever seducer against the
Sheriff of Nottingham. The episode was not perfect, and I still missing Matt
Smith. This episode was pure fun and may not please die hard sci-fi fans, but
perfect for family viewing.
Doctor Who Seires 8 - Into the Dalek Review
This second episode sees the Doctor go inside a Dalek
itself. The Doctor and Clara with a team of soldiers enter the Dalek with the
hope of fixing it because it could be the first good Dalek. I love the concept
of this episode as I have always wondered about how the thought process of
Daleks works. However, my main problem with this episode is that it meanders a
little in the middle. Moreover, I have still not got used to Peter Capaldi’s
Doctor yet. The potential was there for this episode to be really great, but
unfortunately the potential was not fulfilled.
Thursday 4 September 2014
What I look for in a good book
Whether you are in a book shop or library, it is always difficult to try out a new book at random. Eye catching covers can help, but sometimes the opening chapter gives me an idea about the content of the book. My personal preference when it comes to books is that I want to read a book that keeps me interested.
An example of this is the Hobbit by Tolkien. The novel is a narration of Bilbo's adventures with 13 dwarves and Gandalf. The way the world in the Hobbit is described made me keep reading. Moreover, Tolkien's individual writing style makes the story even more connecting. The Hobbit is written as fairy tale for children, one could imagine Tolkien telling this story to his children.
For me to become totally lost in a book, then I do often need to get to know the characters. This is where authors like Pratchett and Dickens excel. For example, Pratchett clearly describes Vimes' habits and ways of thinking, which enables the reader to understand the political satire which ensues whenever Vimes has an interview with the Patrician, Lord Vetinari.
To sum up, a good book for me is a book with an interesting plot and characters which you get to know well. Though be warned George R. R. Martin may kill the characters you full in love in, if you enjoy reading the Song of Ice and Fire series.
An example of this is the Hobbit by Tolkien. The novel is a narration of Bilbo's adventures with 13 dwarves and Gandalf. The way the world in the Hobbit is described made me keep reading. Moreover, Tolkien's individual writing style makes the story even more connecting. The Hobbit is written as fairy tale for children, one could imagine Tolkien telling this story to his children.
For me to become totally lost in a book, then I do often need to get to know the characters. This is where authors like Pratchett and Dickens excel. For example, Pratchett clearly describes Vimes' habits and ways of thinking, which enables the reader to understand the political satire which ensues whenever Vimes has an interview with the Patrician, Lord Vetinari.
To sum up, a good book for me is a book with an interesting plot and characters which you get to know well. Though be warned George R. R. Martin may kill the characters you full in love in, if you enjoy reading the Song of Ice and Fire series.
Tuesday 2 September 2014
Top 23 Fictional Characters
Below as part of my 23 themed month, as I am 23 on the 23rd of September, are my 23 favourite fictional characters.
- Tyrion Lannister (A Song of Ice and Fire)
- Aragorn (The Lord of the Rings)
- Samuel Vimes (Discworld)
- Sherlock Holmes
- Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory)
- Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter)
- Arya Stark (A Song of Ice and Fire)
- Iron Man (Marvel)
- Jon Snow (A Song of Ice and Fire)
- Death (Discworld)
- Wade (Ready Player One)
- Captain Jack Sparrow
- The Doctor (Doctor Who)
- Corporal Nobbs (Discworld)
- Petry Baelish (A Song of Ice and Fire)
- Hermione Granger (Harry Potter)
- Sweeney Todd
- Mustrum Ridcully (Discworld)
- Amy Pond (Doctor Who)
- Homer Simpson (The Simpsons)
- Rajesh Koothrappali (The Big Bang Theory)
- Gandalf (The Lord of the Rings)
- Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)
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