: Re: How Can You Prolong an Emotional Reaction in the Reader? I always feel that a book or movie has achieved something great when I have an emotional reaction to it. For a very brief moment,

@Reiling826

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Growing up through the original (Episodes 4-6) Star Wars, I can tell you Return of the Jedi was going to rock most of America no matter what it looked like. We were all invested and even enjoyed the Ewoks--sort of. The same was true, but to a lesser extent, with The Matrix and Terminator series. When the first two kick ass, the viewer/reader is invested.

But that doesn't really answer your question. A lot of the drama depends on the story. A love story usually ends with the hero and heroine being in love. An epic fantasy usually ends with the hero on top of a pIle of dead bodies. The emotional connection occurs as part of the drama of overcoming the obstacles the antagonists throw in the way.

This is our task as writers. From my perspective, it's easier to describe what not to do:

1. Don't assume your readers will automatically fall in love and be invested in your characters (except there might be exceptions with biography and historical fiction). Characters should be developed. You can have action and love scenes or whatever, but initial interactions with the major players should create a feeling of a circle of friends and camaraderie against a sadistic plan to be overcome.

2. Don't be front heavy with all your cool ideas. Stories should build towards a climax. These are "page turners." The more you build, the more invested the reader. A successful novel of 100,000 words can have the reader interested by 10,000, fascinated by 40,000, on the seat of their pants by 80,000, and up to 3 AM to finish. There's no let down there.

3. Be wary of melodrama. Intentionally eliciting a reaction usually backfires. An untimely death, a "twist," a big speech--these better be well-placed and perfect to maintain a steady emotional reaction

4. Don't settle into one emotional state assuming your reader will jump into it every time they open the book. Interspersing some comedy improves the drama and makes your characters more likable.

5. Be wary of crying characters. Dudes cry when their dog or spouse dies, maybe not even in death. If your dude is crying, it must be pretty seriously believable, or he has a mental illness.

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