Why Motive Matters Even More than Truth in Crime Fiction
The author explores the importance of motive in crime fiction, arguing that readers are deeply uncomfortable with the idea of violence that is impulsive, misdirected, or emotionally incoherent. They prefer crimes with clear motives that can be translated into a coherent narrative. The author notes that in reality, many violent crimes are situational and lack a clear motive, but fiction resists this randomness because it suggests randomness in life. Establishing motive is crucial for crime writers to satisfy readers and create a sense of narrative closure.
- Readers prefer crimes with clear motives that can be translated into a coherent narrative
- In reality, many violent crimes lack a clear motive and are situational, but fiction resists this randomness
- Establishing motive is crucial for crime writers to satisfy readers and create a sense of narrative closure
📘 Publisher’s Take: Crime fiction authors should focus on developing compelling motives for their characters’ actions, even if the real-world inspiration is more chaotic. Readers crave the sense of order and closure that a clear motive provides, so it’s worth the effort to craft a satisfying narrative arc.
Source: Crime Reads |
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