Shardbearer he/him Posted February 2, 2016 Posted February 2, 2016 I don't think we're really supposed to have met Hoid at this point. He's an aloof and mysterious character with vague goals, and we're purposefully left wondering about his motives.
Guest Posted February 2, 2016 Posted February 2, 2016 I don't think we're really supposed to have met Hoid at this point. He's an aloof and mysterious character with vague goals, and we're purposefully left wondering about his motives. Agree. What I meant is I, as a reader, tend to not be overly interested in characters presented in this fashion. It doesn't mean a character first introduced this way can't grow on me, it just means I need more than "mysterious and vague" to be attracted to one. T
DreamEternal Posted February 2, 2016 Posted February 2, 2016 (edited) Indeed, characters like Hoid can spark some intellectual interest as a mystery unsolved, but on a personal level the only way they can connect with the reader is by being a potential danger to other, more closely observed characters. Since for now, Hoid seems mostly helpful in SA, yet stays too mysterious and independent in his goals to be reasonably understood, we don't feel he is a menace but don't feel he is part of the struggle the more developed characters are facing. So we can't personaly connect with him as anything other than a mystery instead of a person. Edited February 2, 2016 by DreamEternal
DSC01 he/him Posted February 2, 2016 Author Posted February 2, 2016 I was not bothered by the "awesomeness" within Lift's speech. She seemed as a rather plausible 13 years old girl and I found her appropriately written. While I did like the character and the interlude, I have to ask myself if I want to read a novella on her? She is interesting because she is a glimpse, a fun one, but for a full novel? I am unsure. I also need to ask myself why does Brandon want to read a side novella on Lift and why he wants it out before SA3? Is it just fluff or does he have other intentions here? I think a novella about her has a lot of potential. Assuming it takes place after the events of WoR, we'll see the Azish reaction to the Everstorm coming through. Wyndle has a lot of information about what is going on behind the scenes, as he does not seem to have lost his memories from his life in the Cognitive Realm. I bet that he would have some very interesting things to say about the Everstorm. If Lift is sticking around with Gawx, we'll also get some insight into the Azish system of government or at least their culture. Now, whatever one thinks of Lopen's character, a short story about him right now (again, assuming it takes place after WoR) would give us some very useful information. Did he regrow his whole arm? Probably. Is he one of Kaladin's squires, which seems more likely than full Radiancy? Probably, again. We don't really know anything about squires right now. If, on the other hand, the story takes place in Lopen's past, then his character will really be fleshed out. Keep in mind, Lopen is not just a generic joker character. He may spend all of his time joking around, but it is a part of his unflappable optimism that endears him as a character. To say that we haven't seen his depths isn't entirely accurate because we can infer them. Besides his obvious disadvantages (he lost an arm, ended up on a bridgecrew, etc), Herdazians don't exactly have a favored place in Alethi society. So far, we haven't seen any real racism on display, but it is telling that one of Lopen's "cousins" says that he can defect to any warcamp he likes, since the Alethi can't tell one Herdazian from another. Lopen has decided that he is going to live his life as if everything is going to work out for the best, even though it hasn't so many times. That tells you a lot about his character. 2
Guest Posted February 2, 2016 Posted February 2, 2016 Indeed, characters like Hoid can spark some intellectual interest as a mystery unsolved, but on a personal level the only way they can connect with the reader is by being a potential danger to other, more closely observed characters. Since for now, Hoid seems mostly helpful in SA, yet stays too mysterious and independent in his goals to be reasonably understood, we don't feel he is a menace but don't feel he is part of the struggle the more developed characters are facing. So we can't personaly connect with him as anything other than a mystery instead of a person. Yes. This is exactly what I meant and why I stated I disliked Hoid. I realize the word dislike was not exactly the right one to express my feelings towards him but I failed short of a word.
The Ninja Yodeler he/him Posted February 3, 2016 Posted February 3, 2016 (edited) Agree. What I meant is I, as a reader, tend to not be overly interested in characters presented in this fashion. It doesn't mean a character first introduced this way can't grow on me, it just means I need more than "mysterious and vague" to be attracted to one. TAll I need is mystery. At least for Hoid. Discovering Hoid was a character that traveled between worlds entranced me for some reason I still don't know why lol. Now, if his toon doesn't flesh out(which I don't see as likely) then that would really suck. But I can still remember the moment I was reading Warbreaker, saw Hoid make sand look pretty, I was like "Wait, was that the same guy from Mistborn??" And then I read Elantris and Emperors Soul. Then I read WoK, and I didn't stand a chance. Hoid became probably my favorite of characters in any book I've read. My excitement and fanboyness for Hoid is dependant on the hope that the mystery will be adequately solved, and that I couldn't guess what that ending would be. Because what's the point if it isn't I say.I get where you come from. You need character development. Which is what I need from every other toon as well lol. But Hoid's definitely the exception for me. For now, at least. Edited February 3, 2016 by The Ninja Yodeler
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