Early character deaths

[PBJ_Time]

Is it a good gamble or a really bad one? For an isekai litRPG like mine, it might ruin any potential narrative I could use in the future. On the other hand, it just might work, GOT-style. What do y'all think? Here's the link for reference.

Beware the Horde [Isekai LitRPG]

New chapters every MWF, 8:00 PM EST. Also available on Royal Road. *** ~Too raw to live, too far to die.~ MMA fanatic and local champion Hajime Kato once thought the world was his oyster. Now, after his untimely death, he gets thrown into a new reality dominated by a game screen...

www.scribblehub.com

 

[Amrasil207]

What readers dislike the most is the death being meaningless. Sure, a few shock factors to contrast the situation and tell them that "hey, this story gonna suck so buckle up or buck off" could work but I won't endorse such a huge gamble.

 

[JayMark]

it might ruin any potential narrative I could use in the future

Key words. Don't take that risk. Killing off characters is fine, but characters key to your narrative going forward have plot armor for a reason.

 

[PBJ_Time]

Key words. Don't take that risk. Killing off characters is fine, but characters key to your narrative going forward have plot armor for a reason.

Welp, if you say so. I'm writing a grimdark fantasy, so I might as well not take the risk.

 

[CharlesEBrown]

Wait until mid-story. Give the reader time to grow attached, to believe the character has plot armor, and then give them the axe.

 

[Puji-Maki]

Wait until mid-story. Give the reader time to grow attached, to believe the character has plot armor, and then give them the axe.

Nah, that's cruel... I support it.

 

[beast_regards]

Like being run over by the truck in the first chapter?