Dishing Junk is a new feature that we will be starting on the PJV. The girls and I have realized that we need a place to sort of vent our book & book blogger troubles. It might be something small and inconsequential that we thought was inappropriate to mention in a review – or it might be a genre-wide gush. This is going to be where we dish it out. Welcome to the first episode.
Just tell us already!!
Writers can use a plot device of withholding information just for the sake of prolonging the story. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it seems forced.
Plot Devices Can Sometimes Drive me Crazy
In a lot of paranormal Young Adult novels, authors will employ a common plot device called Withholding Information. This is when the secondary or side characters deliberately withhold information from the narrator. This usually leads to “discovery” plots or mystery solving which could easily be solved if the side character would just explain.
There are a few reasons that a side character might withhold information:
- Villainy. They are the antagonist
- Big-Picture. There is some “greater good” justification
- Fear. The side characters were afraid for main characters reaction.
But, sometimes when I read a book there is no logical explanation of why the information was never revealed. Or the hero/heroine never even asks or delves deeper into the mystery. There is nothing more roll-eye-worthy when a side character goes, “You’ll die at 18 if you don’t become a vampire!” and the main character goes, “Ok!”
Please explain.
Or, even worse, when a side character suddenly becomes all cryptic. Um, the side character was just speaking in country slang – and now when asked to explain why he has wings, he begins speaking in rhymes. Why? Just because. Wouldn’t want to spell it out – then the book would be over in fifty pages.
I understand authors want to build tension and employ a sense of mystery to the book, but if there is no sense behind the withholding information scenario the tension is FAKE and you are just employing a cheap plot trick.
Does this bother anyone else? Have you read any books that have done this right? or wrong?
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yup, withholding information, just because, really annoys me. Sometimes it just makes me think *all* the characters are too stupid to live, and I move on. Other times, I’ll finish the book and just be peeved I did because I figured it out in chapter 3, even with the information withheld.
Oh my gosh yes. I love the angst of withheld information BUT… sometimes it makes the MC into the most obtuse of beings that you hate her because anyone on the face of the earth would have asked a follow-up question, or pushed for an answer. There were a few series I stopped reading awhile back for that very reason.
Stubbornness is one thing but it has to be believable that the character would purposely be dense or avoid seeking the truth.
I don’t mind that side characters hide info, but the MC can’t just sit back if they know something is wrong unless it really makes sense for them to do so.
Great topic!
I agree with you all, Rachel, Rachel, and Lexxie (has a nice ring to it don’t you think?). As a male who is turning 60 next month, and a book junkie my whole life, I cannot tell you how many novels, mostly indie, in all genres authors seem to be using info withholding to extend their word count. They should either develop their stories and plots better or write them as novellas or short stories. I enjoy a well developed, well written story regardless of length. Selling by the pound does not justify this sort of writing.
Thanks for all of your great posts and emails, Rachel, you’re the best!
What bothers me in a lot of books is how much could be avoided simply by talking to each other- usually it’s the main character that is guilty of this. I can suspend my belief pretty far (it’s by far my best talent, well that and opening doors with my toes), but sometimes it’s just so stupid and ridiculous to keep secrets from your friends and significant others.