>another comment: i don't think you'll hardly ever
find the
>(a) option. a high number of secondary characters is
almost
>a crime novel given. i've seen some writers, like
ellroy,
>introduce an absurd number of characters... over 50
i'm thinking.
>geez! the bible didn't have that many people in it,
unless you
>want to count all the begatting.
Better read the Bible again. There's way more than fifty
characters in there, and some of 'em are pretty damned good
characters.
But a lot of this depends on what Jose means by secondary
characters.
I think of most books like Chandler's, Hammett's, even the
Block one Miker mentioned, as falling into the first
category, of having seven or less secondary characters. Sure,
there are more characters, but I find the books I enjoy most
have a major character, a small circle of supporting players
and suspects, and then a much larger ring of people (tertiary
characters?) who add colour to the proceedings, but aren't
necessarily part of the second tier.
Anyway, it's rare I really enjoy more than one major point of
view, because it's usually not done very well, or it's been
done to death. I've grown to absolutely detest the
alternating viewpoints of detective and serial killer, for
instance. Stick a fork in that one, it's done.
By the way, in different hands, taking away some of the
hocus-pocus, some of those Bible stories would make pretty
good hard-boiled tales.
--
Kevin Burton Smith The Thrilling Detective Web Site http://www.thrillingdetective.com
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