Four kinds of stories (was Tolkien vs. Rowling)

[isabelle_69au]

No: HPFGUIDX 32281

brewpub44 wrote:
> I guess where I have problems with luminary_extraordinaire's
> original post on this topic was with the idea of 'character 
> development'. 
> Luminary stated that:
> 
> > "There is very little narrative arc (i.e., character growth and 
development) in Tolkien's books"
> 
> I read that to mean "Tolkien doesn't take the time to flush out 
> the characters" instead of "Tolkien's characters don't change". 
> The first statement I disagree with, and now on re-reading the 
> thread perhaps Luminary did not mean to say that.
> 
> On the latter meaning of that sentence, to a certain extent I can 
> agree, although the hobbits (IMHO the most important characters in 
> the book) do change dramatically, not only individually but 
> collectively.
> 

I think the hobbits (who are almost child-like in their innocence 
and perspective of the world) change and grow at a rate which is 
noticeable and worthy of the events happening around them.

As for the other LotR characters, I have always felt that they are 
at the tail end of a huge character development arc, having achieved 
hero status as a result of their previous trials and tribulations.  
Unlike the Hobbits who are selected by Gandalf for their intrinsic 
character traits, the others are selected for this task because they 
have already proven themselves. This makes sense when you consider 
the importance of the task, but also from a storytelling 
perspective : imagine if all the major characters were in the 
process of discovering themselves - the entire epic nature of the 
LotR would flounder as each sets off on their own journey of 
discovery.

In many ways, I see HP in a similar light - the setting into which 
Harry appears when he discovers the wizarding world is firmly 
established.  The adults are well aware of the V years and 
Dumbledore's close inner circle knows many of the secrets which are 
being slowly revealed to Harry (and us) when the time is right.

Dumbledore is rarely surprised by the actions of the major players 
in the storylines - think of his willingness to accept that Sirius 
had not betrayed James and Lily - even though this was accepted as 
fact for 13 years.  This is because he knows the true character of 
the people around him.

Although the students are definitely growing, changing and making 
choices that will affect their futures, I believe that most of the 
adults are simply revealing their true selves.  This is not really 
character growth - but rather fleshing out the details of characters 
for the readers benefit.

Isabelle