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 | Fan Reactions to Character Deaths |
 Greetings, bloggers and fans! It's be quite some time since I actually wrote a real blog entry and I just had an awesome topic come into my head, so I thought I'd share it with you 
Ever since the death of Chewbacca in the 1999 book Vector Prime, many fans either dropped the EU completely, decided not to come in, or, if you were radical, actually mailed death threats to the author of VP, R.A. Salvatore. Think about that-- death threats to an author of a fictional book killing off a fictional character. While I can understand being sad and upset, even anger, I cannot fathom that people could possibly want revenge on the author. For what!? Yes, he killed off a character. Yes, that character was important and stood for something. But guess what, no author does anything without purpose; at least, a good author, which Salvatore certainty is. Chewbacca's death did a number of things for the plot and the character himself, although I won't get into them in this entry.
This same trend was seen in the death of Mara Jade Skywalker in the 2007 novel, Sacrifice. It was long speculated that Mara would die but this didn't stop fans from crying out to Karen Traviss herself. Due to fans hounding her earlier in the year, Ms. Traviss had to leave TOS' message boards but that didn't stop other place on the internet bashing the fact and idea that she was dead. I don't believe any death threats were sent but there were a lot of mad fans for no good reason.
However, last month saw the mother of all fan reactions that would overthrown the aforementioned and even others reactions. SPOILERS AHEAD for LOTF: Invincible
On May 13, Legacy Of The Force: Invincible was released. It will be a day longed remember to EU Fans. Why? The book ended with the death of fan favorite, Jacen Solo. This caused a major uproar in the fan community; "how could Denning kill him off!?" "Dude, he was my favorite character! Denning is a JERK!"
I'm not quoting directly, but, stuff like that has been said and people have said some pretty nasty stuff directed at Denning; an author of a fictional book killing off a fictional character. Why?
I know that these fans like Star Wars- um, so do I- But guess what: At the end of the day, it's for fun and thinking, not for over-the-top, screaming matches.
That, friends, is the point of the entry today: Think before you react. Authors are just writing-- it's what they are paid to do; let them do it 
That's it for now-- until next time, SOS15.
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http://blogs.starwars.com/FarmBoy_06/35 |
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FAN4YRS
A Rebel's Ramblings
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date Posted: Jun 10, 2008 4:52 PM
I didn't send a death threat to anybody, but Chewbacca's "death" certainly put the nail in the coffin of an EU that I never thought was that imaginative. As time as gone on and I see how they have completely maligned the "Star Wars" stories I am glad I bailed when I did (actually, I wish I had never started with the Timothy Zahn books in 1991). "Star Wars" is best left to six motion pictures.
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Dark Spork
Sporktastic Voyage
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date Posted: Jun 10, 2008 5:45 PM
Chewie's death was better used than the character himself ever was, even if the NJO was kind of a bust. The Jacen whining I don't get at all. He was a pretty useless character for most of his life, and at least we got a half-decent story out of it. Whining over Anakin Solo I can kind of understand, but Jacen? Pah. (Although in the case of Anakin, if one isn't over it by now...)
As for Traviss, she left TOS right after Bloodlines, actually - before Sacrifice, maybe even before the cover (our first hint) was out. And though some hysteric Mara fans are still whining over it (sigh) it never got as bad as that utter stupidity over clonetrooper numbers... At least as far as I saw.
(to be cont.)
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Dark Spork
Sporktastic Voyage
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date Posted: Jun 10, 2008 5:45 PM
A few ranters and venters do not an actual movement make... And I suppose it's actually rather healthy, up to a point. If the vast majority of Jacen fans are still not shutting up, over it, or moving on in a year or so, then I'll start worrying.
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Son Of Skywalker15
Son Of Skywalker's Datapad Of Thoughts and Opinions
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date Posted: Jun 10, 2008 5:49 PM
I don't happen to agree with that, Fan4, but I will respect your choice. However, fans, including myself at times, need to realize that no one lives forever. Chewie lived a long, successful death a died a death worthy of him--a planet fell on him! Is it hard? Of course it is; I, too, grew up with Chewie as the big bear. The fact that he died only proves how real he was. Basing you judgment on one time will probably lead you to miss a lot of awesome stuff such as Kotor or TFU.
Don't let youself miss out on something great, Fan, because of one event.
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Son Of Skywalker15
Son Of Skywalker's Datapad Of Thoughts and Opinions
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date Posted: Jun 10, 2008 5:54 PM
And though some hysteric Mara fans are still whining over it (sigh) it never got as bad as that utter stupidity over clonetrooper numbers... At least as far as I saw.
I saw that when I came here after reading Bloodlines, which is actually how I found the forums. That was... interesting, to say the least. I find it said that it happened to her for such dumb reasons. Then again, if that happened for any reason I'd find it dumb.
If DS, who helps run and operate Club Jade, can understand and learn from, in a way, from Mara's death, I don't see why others can't. Fans will be fans.
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Son Of Skywalker15
Son Of Skywalker's Datapad Of Thoughts and Opinions
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date Posted: Jun 10, 2008 5:55 PM
A few ranters and venters do not an actual movement make... And I suppose it's actually rather healthy, up to a point. If the vast majority of Jacen fans are still not shutting up, over it, or moving on in a year or so, then I'll start worrying.
Agreed; I'm sure somewhere, even in the back of our minds, we knew that this might happen. If readers feel sorrow, I get it-- I do too; Jacen was a favorite character of mine. However, I realized shortly after that it was needed and served a purpose and the facts that no one lives for ever.
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mich4
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date Posted: Jun 10, 2008 7:06 PM
At the end of the day, it's for fun and thinking
Hear,hear.
I really enjoy the EU books but one of the things about the early ones was that you could almost see where the story was going. You knew that the "good guys" would win, the "bad guys" be vanquished and every thing would be resolved by the end.
I was never particularly attached to Chewbacca but with his death and subsequently that of Anakin and Mara we were taken out of our little comfort zone and I for one have been very impressed with the way the aftermath of these deaths were written. We can't expect these characters to be in the thick of dozens of wars and conflicts and never lose anyone!
(cont.....)
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mich4
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date Posted: Jun 10, 2008 7:07 PM
Anakin's death shocked me - I didn't see it coming and I still hoped that by the end of the series he'd miraculously be back. But i like that I don't know what's coming when I read the books and I can be surprised by twists and turns that I don't anticipate.
Makes it far more interesting don't you think?
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Corterville
Yoda's House of Pancakes
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date Posted: Jun 10, 2008 9:57 PM
I think what people need to consider is: The SW authors typically don't make the decisions regarding the novels they write. Major events like character deaths and plot conclusions are decided by comittees. All the author does is write what they tell him, with his or her own spin on events.
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cowboy_11c
Musings from the Shadowlands
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date Posted: Jun 11, 2008 2:10 AM
Personally, I took Chewie's death to be an homage of sorts. I would have been really upset if he had been killed by something mundane, such as a blaster or even in ship to ship. He died the ultimate hero death, protecting innocents. Obviously, I feel a real connection to Wookies in general, and Chewie in particular. I think that event really brought it home that these characters are mortal, and although seem to be able to survive anything, ultimatly, they must pay the price. I was afraid to read Invincible because I had convinced myself that Luke was going to die, and I'm still sure he will die in the next 2-3 books.
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Son Of Skywalker15
Son Of Skywalker's Datapad Of Thoughts and Opinions
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date Posted: Jun 11, 2008 3:10 AM
I for one have been very impressed with the way the aftermath of these deaths were written
As have I been. That's something that many don't seem to look at or care about but it's why the death was written.
All the author does is write what they tell him, with his or her own spin on events.
For the most part, very true. They may have the idea, I guess, but it's all discussed. There shouldn't be any blame let a lone the need to cast it on someone.
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Son Of Skywalker15
Son Of Skywalker's Datapad Of Thoughts and Opinions
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date Posted: Jun 11, 2008 3:15 AM
I think that event really brought it home that these characters are mortal, and although seem to be able to survive anything, ultimatly, they must pay the price.
Exactly. Chewie's death saved many, including Han and Anakin, and opened whole new plot lines. Besides that, he's now regarded rightfully as a hero.
I'd like to thank everyone who has commented; it's very interesting reading what you guys think-- Keep it coming!
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DJ Maul: Got Feet?
DJ Maul's Dancin' Cantina Party
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date Posted: Jun 11, 2008 5:58 AM
The bottom line in a long running franchise like SW is eventually it gets STALE if there are no shocks or surprises left. if we the fans know NO ONE will ever DIE in a story then whats the point?
The authors need room to make a story grow, breathe and stay fresh and sometimes that involves the death of beloved characters.
And fans also need to consider this: Dont think for one short second that George Lucas didnt have a say in the death of Chewbacca; if The Maker didnt APPROVE it, it would never have happened, period.
So dont "blame" the writers, in the end Lucas still has ultimate control.
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usetheforce19
MasterMonkey13
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date Posted: Jun 11, 2008 6:17 AM
Actually, the books would be pretty boring if no one important died. So, you can view it two ways, accept what the authors write, or stick to the 6 movies like FAN4YRS. Chewie and Mara Jade were both great characters. Now, if Luke dies.............
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comanderbly
That's Impossible. Even for a Computer.
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date Posted: Jun 11, 2008 6:21 AM
I agree people take character deaths too far. As Yoda said - there is no death only the force. In any case no one really dies - books like Death Star and Allegiance take place in the past, so there can be more stories with characters that died. I wonder if Chewie will be in the Shadows of Mindor?
As for blaming the author - that really bothers me because as an EU fan I want great writers who want to do something new and different. So trying to scare off talent with death threats and anger is only going to hurt the EU. I am not saying people should not voice their opinions, I just wish in some cases they would apply some common sense in how they voice their opinions.
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Son Of Skywalker15
Son Of Skywalker's Datapad Of Thoughts and Opinions
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date Posted: Jun 11, 2008 12:56 PM
eventually it gets STALE if there are no shocks or surprises left. if we the fans know NO ONE will ever DIE in a story then whats the point?
Yep-- totally agree. It's fiction but all good fiction is written like it's non-fiction.
Chewie and Mara Jade were both great characters. Now, if Luke dies.....
It would only show how real the Expanded Universe is. People are complaining that Luke, Leia, or Han hasn't died yet; well, guess what-- they aren't done. They don't have much more time, perhaps, but they are still very active and able.
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Son Of Skywalker15
Son Of Skywalker's Datapad Of Thoughts and Opinions
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date Posted: Jun 11, 2008 1:00 PM
I wonder if Chewie will be in the Shadows of Mindor?
According to the First Look he will be. That's such a great point-- characters only die in books; they don't die in our hearts and some authors certainly like using them again because in the past they may have something more to contribute to the story.
I am not saying people should not voice their opinions, I just wish in some cases they would apply some common sense in how they voice their opinions.
If you have nothing nice to say, then say nothing at all. Really though-- you can discuss and critique a work respectively and without flaming.
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Master Ki-Aaron-Mundi
I was a Teenage Jedi
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date Posted: Jun 11, 2008 4:37 PM
Nice blog.
And I agree strongly with Corterville's above comment.
The bottom line in a long running franchise like SW is eventually it gets STALE if there are no shocks or surprises left. if we the fans know NO ONE will ever DIE in a story then whats the point?
Agreed, DJ Maul. And the great thing about great fiction is that it tackles issues like death and really tries to give it meaning. Great fiction is emotionally relatable to the real world, and avoiding an issue like death leaves a big hole. It has to be there for the stories to really resonate.
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Fish1941
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date Posted: Jun 26, 2008 9:55 AM
With Jacen's death, it means that Han and Leia have only one child out of three still alive. How sad.
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