Assumptions... Can We Make Them?

[AsylumSeeker]

In a few threads I noticed other writers saying one thing about sequels is that the readers are familiar with the characers. True. So I ask this: are they so familiar that you discontinue giving physical descriptions of them? Even in sequels I try to mention hair color, body type, etc. Was just wondering if this is common, or do you just do this in the first installament?

One reason I do this is a reader may find chapter three of a story and read it first. Given they like it they'd (hopefully) read the others. But with the possibility of them stepping into the middle of a series I like to give them a visual, or to reinforce that visual to readers who may not have recently read the previous installment.

Just wondering what other writers are doing.

 

[Colleen Thomas]

In a few threads I noticed other writers saying one thing about sequels is that the readers are familiar with the characers. True. So I ask this: are they so familiar that you discontinue giving physical descriptions of them? Even in sequels I try to mention hair color, body type, etc. Was just wondering if this is common, or do you just do this in the first installament?

One reason I do this is a reader may find chapter three of a story and read it first. Given they like it they'd (hopefully) read the others. But with the possibility of them stepping into the middle of a series I like to give them a visual, or to reinforce that visual to readers who may not have recently read the previous installment.

Just wondering what other writers are doing.

As I try to write sequels to be stand alones, I tend to go over the basics of description and background in them. No idea if that is an annomoly or closer to the norm though.

 

[rgraham666]

Only did one sequel so far. I described both the characters from the first one again, meaning it to be a standalone.

Working on another sequel now. Same deal.

 

[Stella_Omega]

I would at least give a few thumbnails, under the pretext of reminding previous readers. I would try to make them complete enough that new readers can get a grasp on things...

no pun intended!

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

Sometimes I describe characters. Sometimes I don't. I reserve the right to do so or not as I deem fit.

 

[carsonshepherd]

In a few threads I noticed other writers saying one thing about sequels is that the readers are familiar with the characers. True. So I ask this: are they so familiar that you discontinue giving physical descriptions of them? Even in sequels I try to mention hair color, body type, etc. Was just wondering if this is common, or do you just do this in the first installament?

One reason I do this is a reader may find chapter three of a story and read it first. Given they like it they'd (hopefully) read the others. But with the possibility of them stepping into the middle of a series I like to give them a visual, or to reinforce that visual to readers who may not have recently read the previous installment.

Just wondering what other writers are doing.

I repeat details and descriptions to make them stand out in the readers' minds as strong visual markers of that particular character. I think readers like thse reminders so they can form mental images of the characters and action. I know when I'm reading a story I get annoyed if I forget what a person or place looks like and have to read back to find it.

 

[elsol]

I tend to use 'references' so as not to clue-in new readers without beating the head of my fans.

Introducing new characters by framing them with the old ones.

--It's easier for me because I use the first person almost exclusively so I can say something...

At five-ten, Doris was a few inches taller than me, but I would have had no problems putting the climbing spikes if she gave me the opportunity.

... it handles the description of the new character and a reminder of the old in one sentence.

Sincerely,
ElSol

 

[oggbashan]

I don't feel the need to put much in the way of a reminder - maybe a paragraph to explain the plot so far - except for SciFi/Fantasy when the characteristics of the world are important.

For those in the first few chapters I put the assumptions at the beginning. Afterwards I put it in an appendix e.g. my Shelacta Tales.

Og