Characters, plot devices, matchmakers

[beccaelizabeth]

You know the bit in summaries or headers or whatever where they say what characters are in the story?

I reckon if a character is only being a plot device they shouldn't go in that bit.

Mostly what annoys me is when Ethan gets used that way. I mean, I know in canon he was, basically, a plot device. He showed up and wacky magical fun happened. But fanfic doesn't have to use him that way. He can sometimes get to be an actual character too.

Listing him as a character when he's actually a device leads me to pout and sulk.


I think other characters get used that way a lot too. Usually in a matchmaker capacity. Like if Angel turns up and decides Spike is perfect for Buffy should she only see it, or something.

... Stories where Ethan tries to get Buffy into bed with Giles strike me as improbable on exactly that level. This says much about what the back of my mind believes about G/E.

Similarly, if Spike or Ethan were to decide that actually the solution is threesome, I'd find that perfectly in character. The same thought from Angel or Giles would have to be handled carefully and wrapped up in angst. The same thought from Buffy? New and difficult to sell.

I think.

Buffy is actually the character I've thought about the least. I know its her show, but I think the show does plenty enough about her.

Ethan gets most thinking from least doing.

Comments

[sparklebutch.livejournal.com]

*agree*