: Re: How many characters can I introduce in the first chapter before the reader gets overwhelmed? Assuming that all of the characters are unique, interesting, and stand out from the rest of the cast,

In general humans are able to track no more than 7 distinct factors. If you want the reader to root for everyone you introduce I think that number would be the practical limit.

From another angle, you want to give each character enough attention without the story slowing down to snail's pace. Think Tolkien: Many people do not dig him because of the very very broad scope the story follows.

Anyway if the number becomes big enough, that is exactly what you have: A group, NOT a big number of characters. If not in your mind than still in the mind of your reader.

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: Re: How many characters can I introduce in the first chapter before the reader gets overwhelmed? Assuming that all of the characters are unique, interesting, and stand out from the rest of the cast,

More posts by @Mendez196

: Is it okay to have a character who doesn't actually have a name? The character in my book doesn't have a name. I mean, he probably does, but its not used by any other character in the book,

: Length of a scene? Really, just how long should a solid scene in a chapter be? And what about when characters move setting but the topic is still relevant to the scene? How long would that

: Interwoven story arcs (for video) - guidelines so viewers will not get lost? I am trying to create a documentary about the history of a sports team, and have identified some compelling story

: The Search for Good Places to Discuss Science for Worldbuilding One of the major oversights of the worldbuilding process is that worldbuilders tunneled their focus on the story at hand, which

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