JKR’s recipe for a fandom hero (was: Twist JKR?)

[nkafkafi]

No: HPFGUIDX 141599

Nora wrote:
> Neri wrote the bestest ever description of Snape and how JKR has 
> constructed him once, which I think he should repost or link to.  
> *nudge nudge*


Neri <nudged>:
Why, thank you. I think you meant this one, which was originally
posted in another forum some time ago and wasn't easy to locate. Keep
in mind it's pre-HBP. I'll add a few post-HBP updates in the bottom.


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I think that with Snape, JKR hit on the perfect recipe for a fandom
hero. She did it in part unintentionally, I suspect, but still, this
is the mark of true genius. The recipe, as far as I can make it, is:


1. Don't make this character the main hero of the story (it would
clash with 5).

2. But OTOH, don't make him an evil overlord, unless there's someone
or something more evil than him.

3. Make him as nasty as it's possible to be without being downright
repulsive.

4. Make the main hero a nice good-doer, so he'll be a bit dull by
comparison.

5. Reveal as little as possible about the character's past and
motives.

6. The little you do reveal, make as controversial and inconsistent
as possible.

7. Make this character involved in as many critical plot turns as
possible.

8. Balance the amount of good he does precisely with the amount of
bad he does (warning: any deviation from an exact balance will ruin
the effect).

9. Hint that he possibly did some Very Bad Things, but don't give any
details.

10. Also hint that he possibly saved the day, but again don't give
any details.

11. Plant suggestions that he might be playing a part, but do not
repeat DO NOT supply any real proof that he indeed does so.

12. Make him the nemesis of the good hero. The more conflict between
them – the better.

13. But OTOH, make him save the good hero's butt once or twice.

14. However, underplay 13 and make it appear as if he only did it
for is own good.

15. Add plenty of diabolic characteristics, but nothing concrete.

16. Do not repeat DO NOT make him involved in ANY romantic
relationships (the fans will take care of that).

17. Plant clues that he was badly abused in his childhood and/or
youth.

18. However, while you're on 17, never make him appear nice or
innocent himself.

19. Make several good characters trash him repeatedly.

20. However, add one reason, irrational as possible, why we should
trust him, and play it again and again against all logic. 

*****************************************************


In light of HBP, it seems that two corrections for this recipe are due:

8a. After this character has already attained the indisputable status
of a fandom hero, it is no longer necessary to maintain the exact
balance between the amount of good and bad that he does. On the
contrary, at this stage it is best to make him do as much bad as
possible. It will make the fans work harder explaining why it's not
REALLY bad.

11a. If it's absolutely necessary to admit that this character indeed
plays a part, make him play two contradicting parts, and do not supply
any proof which of them is acting and which is sincere, or if they're
both acting.

I'd also add one new item:

21. If a nickname for this character is required by the plot, take
care to choose one that is self-contradicting. 


Neri