This week I was fortunate enough to be visited by long time friend, Danny Adams. Our friendship runs so deep that I often forget as we’re having dinner that sitting across from me is a well published author (whom if I’m not mistaken, is being interviewed in StarLog magazine this month).
During our conversation, I started to ask a question but distracted myself with a full scale analysis of sequels and it wasn’t until I realized Danny wasn’t saying anything that I stopped. Apparently this was useful feedback, but before we could finish, we had to leave.
Danny, and all interested authors, here’s my take on why readers lose interest in sequels.
What makes a story good?
I suppose the ideal story is one that drags you into it that you actually forget that you’re actually reading. But, how is that accomplished?
The common components that I’ve noticed from stories that I’ve enjoyed are ones where the main character is thrust into an unfamiliar environment, stumbles into an adventure as he learns the rules of the environment, events unfold and he becomes the reluctant hero, pushing his own boundaries, and eventually learning something about himself, and in the end making a difference.
This generalization appears everywhere: Neo from the The Matrix, Luke Skywalker from Star Wars, Ralph from Greatest American Hero, Stile from Splity Infinity, Zane from On A Pale Horse, William from Wizard’s Bane, and even Harry from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
But it’s at this point where things diverge. Some stories end after they are told, other’s have long standing sequels, where others flop. What makes Spiderman 2 enjoyable while Ghostbusters 2 and Weekend At Bernie’s II a forgotten memories? Why are people so enthralled with The Lord of the Rings? How does Star Trek and Stargate SG-1 and Dr. Who to keep going with endless spin-offs, and what caused Babylon 5 to crash in the last season?
The thing in common with series that fail is where the author simply tried to capitalize on the existing relationship and knowledge from the prior story.
Superman II holds far less interest than Smallville, primarily because we are joining in on the character as he develops.
It’s just as enjoyable to share Author’s realization that he’s just done something incredible as he pulls the sword from the stone.
A story needs to continue the growth of the character.
Stories like Star Trek and Stargate SG-1 survive because each time they visit a different world, the rules, culture, and context are different — they have to learn all over again. Discovering the environment with the main character is vital, it’s provides the energy and wonder. Deep Space 9 had things come to them, but it wasn’t the same. Making a human the alien was a brilliant move on the part of Farscape, there was endless discovery.
A story needs a dynamic environment, in which the main character can rediscover himself and continually be tested, rise to the challenge, or even fail.