Question for November 1-7, 2010

[Amby Leigh]

What elements do you find most enjoyable in a story that gets you excited to be a part of it?

[ScottStoked]

Humor! I love it when someone can write lines for my character that are smart and funny.

[Subaru-camui]

Yaoi romance =3 <3

[Ryusuke]

Tough one. Gonna say...characters and setting. They are usually the first things I look for in a story. Mostly characters. They pretty much make or break the story for me.

[paraparamore23]

What really turns me on to a project is the premise of a character. I enjoy stories where you get to see an easily-identifiable character grow up. I'm never one to turn down a well-written character.

Generally, well-written characters are accompanied by well-written plots, so I'm not too concerned for well-writen plots without good characters... (if that made sense to you...?)

[Ovarku]

Characters and the setting of the story, and how well the same story is written, something that sets itself as different from the others. In a sense the same applies with comedy, with clever writing but still manages to tell a nice story.

[TehPoptartKid]

As Shakespeare once said, Brevity is the soul of wit. If it makes me hackle like a hyena, then it's done it's job as a comedic story.

If it makes me cry like the Titanic did, then it's done it's job as a sad/romance/drama story.

if it makes me scared out of my wits like the movie It did, then it's done it's job as a horror.

So on and so forth. Dun dun daaaa!

Also, I like it when stories have plot twists at the end where you don't know what's going to happen next, or maybe that guy got pwned at the end. 21 was a good example. That douchebag math teacher got owned! By college students! Lawls.

TPK

[Tonberry King]

If the story resonates in some way with me, either because it reminds me of something in my own life, or it pulls on the heartstrings in some way, then I usually want to be a part of it. As far as anime goes, beautiful artwork is always a plus too.

I've noticed that I tend to also love stories with strong female characters. I have little interest in stories where the females are always outclassed by the males. The only exception to this is if the story requires a character of that type (such as something from the 18th century or what have you).

But most of all, memorable and fully-realized characters are probably the biggest attraction. The only way to build attachment to a character is to get invested in their well-being. And that usually requires getting to know their past.

[Haruhost]

Everything I can think of has already been said.
1. The character setting and development, being able to relate to said character in one or more ways.
2. Having a story that is both enthralling and exciting.
3. Yaoi-Romance

It's all there.

[Monotori]

... glasses.

Really, even if the story is horrendous- how many 'these kids have powers and will save the world now' have we seen?- I think the characters would make it up to me. The BEST stories, of course, have an engaging story and characters, but I'd rather be involved in a project with interesting characters and okay plot than boring characters in an interesting plot, because the characters tell the story (usually) and if they're static then there's nothing to engage with.

[LG65]

... glasses.

Really, even if the story is horrendous- how many 'these kids have powers and will save the world now' have we seen?- I think the characters would make it up to me. The BEST stories, of course, have an engaging story and characters, but I'd rather be involved in a project with interesting characters and okay plot than boring characters in an interesting plot, because the characters tell the story (usually) and if they're static then there's nothing to engage with.
Agreed. I think the same for me. If there isn't too much depth in the character and story, then chances are, it may be a bit of a turn-off for me.

[Ovarku]

... glasses.

Really, even if the story is horrendous- how many 'these kids have powers and will save the world now' have we seen?- I think the characters would make it up to me. The BEST stories, of course, have an engaging story and characters, but I'd rather be involved in a project with interesting characters and okay plot than boring characters in an interesting plot, because the characters tell the story (usually) and if they're static then there's nothing to engage with.


I was about to add this...

[TheCheetoBandito]

Action is cool and all but its when the acting is so superb that the dialogue shared between characters is just so natural and believable its fantastic. There's nothing like hearing these characters talk and being convinced that they've really known each other for years, or that one is really trying to comfort the other, or they're the most bitter of enemies. That's when I go "Yeeeaaaahhh..." :)

[xApplicationRainbow]

Good lines that sound like something the character would actually say.

[MissAck]

Badassary.

[TehPoptartKid]

Also, if the story makes me go WTF? and makes me think about it a little bit, then it's done it's job in entertaining me.

Ironic situations are always funny in my book. Oh god, I can't take the subway because I'll get robbed! I know! I'll use a taxi! Hey lady, where to? Second street. Oh, and by the way lady, this is a hold up!

See, if it has ironic situations like that, you will make my day.

Now, if you did an oxymoron type of thing, like the living dead, or Airline Food, then you're a winner in my book. Like, a whole sketch kind of story, like Robot Chicken, where oxymoron's are slapped on everywhere.

Hey Darth Vader, we need an accurate estimation on how many storm troopers died during the war on hoth, the war on endor, and the wars in space around the first, and second death star. Darth vader would be like, whuuuuut? Do I look like your counting stooge? I'm a sith lord, ya bastard! Get General Veers to do it!

LOL.

TPK

[Notebookface]

My personal philosophy is that a story is only as good as the villain/antagonist driving the conflict. So that's the main thing I look for.