DYSTOPIAS - Terrible Writing Advice
Terrible Writing Advice・2 minutes read
A dystopian novel should focus on an evil government, vague villains, and a love triangle for the teenage protagonist, with minimal world-building and a discouragement of intellectualism. The adults should be portrayed as useless, and the plot should prioritize the protagonist's romantic relationships over societal commentary.
Insights
- In dystopian novels, the focus is often on creating a narrative centered around an oppressive government, with vague origins and exaggerated ideologies, while emphasizing a love triangle for the protagonist, rather than intricate world-building.
- Villains are depicted as mysterious and incompetent, often embodying evil overlord archetypes, while smart characters are portrayed negatively to discourage intellectualism. The protagonist, typically a teenage girl, is characterized as 'ordinary' yet 'special', excelling effortlessly, with adults portrayed as useless or antagonistic, and the plot centered on a love triangle rather than societal critique.
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Recent questions
How should I create a dystopian novel?
Start with an evil government, vague past disaster, and love triangle for the protagonist.
What characteristics should villains have in a story?
Villains should be vague, mysterious, and have an incompetent elite military force.
How should the protagonist be portrayed in a dystopian novel?
The protagonist should be a teenage girl described as 'ordinary' but a 'special snowflake', excelling effortlessly.
How should smart characters be portrayed in a dystopian novel?
Smart characters should be depicted as evil to discourage intellectualism and free thought.
What should the plot of a dystopian novel revolve around?
The plot should focus on a love triangle rather than societal commentary.
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