switching characters in a series

[Reshbod]

I'm currently working on a third part of my most popular series judging from the feedback. I still have more ideas but I think that characters story is pretty much played out.

I'm thinking of introducing a new character who picks up the story after a brief encounter with the original character. So it's kind of a sideways sequel (I'm sure there's a better term for it) and the original character can make occasional appearances, but is no longer the focus. I like the idea of several characters interacting then having their own stories. Similar to a shared universe like the MCU, but not quite as 'epic'.

 

[SamScribble]

I'm currently working on a third part of my most popular series judging from the feedback. I still have more ideas but I think that characters story is pretty much played out.

I'm thinking of introducing a new character who picks up the story after a brief encounter with the original character. So it's kind of a sideways sequel (I'm sure there's a better term for it) and the original character can make occasional appearances, but is no longer the focus. I like the idea of several characters interacting then having their own stories. Similar to a shared universe like the MCU, but not quite as 'epic'.

OK. Now stop thinking and start writing.

Good luck

 

[NotWise]

I'm currently working on a third part of my most popular series judging from the feedback. I still have more ideas but I think that characters story is pretty much played out.

I'm thinking of introducing a new character who picks up the story after a brief encounter with the original character. So it's kind of a sideways sequel (I'm sure there's a better term for it) and the original character can make occasional appearances, but is no longer the focus. I like the idea of several characters interacting then having their own stories. Similar to a shared universe like the MCU, but not quite as 'epic'.

Hmm. It sounds like a soap opera.

Did you have a question, or were you just stating a plan for the record?

 

[SimonDoom]

I guess my question is why continue a series if you feel the characters have been played out? What is it you want to achieve by continuing in the same story universe but with a different character? Your original post gives no clue why you want to do this and offers no detail that would give any one a basis for an opinion.

Personally, I think it makes sense to start anew, but that's just me.

 

[KeithD]

I've never let minor characters totally displace major characters I'd started with, but I have six-novel series in the mainstream where I've brought minor characters up over the series to nearly the same level as the continuing primary protagonists. Doing it otherwise does, yes, seem like an "As the World Turns" interminable soap opera. Where does it end? What point is it trying to make? Is it like the apparent purpose of a soap opera--to bring your story into their lives and take over a portion of their existence? You sort of take a great deal of responsibility for their lives then and for continuing to fill that escape zone for them.

 

[ElectricBlue]

I do it all the time, side characters getting their own stories. My story universe is all interconnected in time and space.

Nike, mate. Just do it!

 

[RejectReality]

Okay, you're not changing MCs in Ch. 03 of a story. That was my first concern, so I looked at your list. I think that would be a bad idea.

Since you're simply writing connected stories, do whatever tickles you.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Hell, I've done that in a in a single story. In fact on a single page. Take a look at Walker Brigade in the My Stuff link in my sig. It is a long, long, story... over 90,000 words. So I would set aside an afternoon to enjoy it.

 

[Reshbod]

Thanks for the responses. The main reason I'm thinking about something like this is that most of my stories, are very similar and formulaic. The reason I started writing on here was to improve as a writer. In some ways, I think I have, in others, not so much. So I need to try to mix it up and add some complexity. Posting publicly and hearing replies does help.

 

[ElectricBlue]

Thanks for the responses. The main reason I'm thinking about something like this is that most of my stories, are very similar and formulaic. The reason I started writing on here was to improve as a writer. In some ways, I think I have, in others, not so much. So I need to try to mix it up and add some complexity. Posting publicly and hearing replies does help.

One advantage you might find, if you use characters repeatedly, is that you get to know them really well as their writer, and they will to a large extent "write themselves" - which gives you more time in a story to better flesh out new characters, or some other element of story telling. Also, if you have a band of faithful followers, they see the familiar character and will similarly invest in the other characters, because they know the main character does.

Re-using characters also allows you to experiment. I have one story cycle with a pre-established character who is only portrayed as the new characters see him, as they get to know him. I know him as the writer, but my new characters don't. I've then got another story cycle where I write the same character in first person (all the other stories were third person). There's more than one way to mix it up.