why Joss and Co. stories resonate. by Ghoulman

GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

why Joss and Co. stories resonate.

POSTED BY: GHOULMAN
UPDATED: Tuesday, May 18, 2004 08:18
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Tuesday, May 18, 2004 5:52 AM

... having been around this BBS for the last few months and skimming various posts I felt the need to express my deepest truism regarding Joss Whedon (and Tim and Marti, etc.) and why his stories resonate.

Why they are true.

In writing a story it is the characters, more than anything, who bring us through the narrative. It is the characters journey that demonstrates to us the story itself.

But false characters will not interest us. Take Friends - everyone is soooo bored with these characters. Why? Not because they have been around so long, but because the characters pander to the audience. The characters do what the writter wants them to do. The characters do what the audience wants.

But what makes great characters, what makes Joss and crew so relevant and their stories so "true", is that the characters stay true to human nature.

That's it. Now you know a very important story telling philosophy. Go forth and be true Browncoats.

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Tuesday, May 18, 2004 6:10 AM

BROWNCOAT1

May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.

Well said Ghoulman.

The thing that has always pulled me in about Joss Whedon shows are the characters. As you said, the characters remain true to human nature. They react the way real people do and mirror the concerns of real people. When we watch, it is not a sitcom or a drama where you can tell which direction the story will take because we have seen a thousand variations of the same theme, rather we follow these people through their trial and tribulations.

When I sit down to watch BtVS, Angel, or Firefly, I get sucked in and before I know it, the hour is gone & I am looking forward to the next episode. That is the way good programs should be for viewers.

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

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Tuesday, May 18, 2004 6:15 AM

GHOULMAN

^^^ 100% with ya there Browncoat1.

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Tuesday, May 18, 2004 8:18 AM

FIREFLEW

Exactly, that's exactly right. That's why I'll watch Angel at 23:50 on a school night - because it's excellent.

Jayne: "Know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I beat you with till you understand who's in command."

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