As an author, how do you feel as an author killing off such a significant character?

Eldoria · Dec 22, 2025

Death of A Significant Fictional Character

Sometimes important characters have to die for the sake of the story, even if they're beloved by readers. Even if the author has been developing the character for years.

Hiken no Ace died for protecting Luffy and ushering in a new era of piracy. Jiraya-sensei died for unlocking the secret to defeating Akatsuki leader, Pain.

These character deaths sometimes shock readers. Uchiha Itachi's death, for example, prompted a Russian teenager to commit suicide. It may be dark, but fictional characters in the modern era have become 'loyal friends' to fans. Their deaths are heartbreaking for some readers.

My question is, as an author, how do you feel about killing off a significant character you've spent so much time developing?

Wenlock · Dec 22, 2025

I was just thinking about this. My initial plan was to kill the second lead character in my book and the only reason why it doesn't happen is because.... I forgot.

After finalising all arcs of that character it is today that I remembered - "Didn't I decide to kill this character?"

So the only thing that saved me from my readers killing me is my amnesia

Demon_Flower · Dec 22, 2025

Happy this is my take if you ask as author because it's needed for story. But as someone who is reading along side writing I do feel heartbreaking. Death is something very important to story. Because in reality also people die. We get sad we move on that's how stories should be

CharlesEBrown · Dec 22, 2025

One story is about forty chapters or so from finding out... (the death was planned from the beginning and hinted at a few times... the next generation is slated to carry the story forward)

Worthy39 · Dec 22, 2025

And that one's dead, and he's dead, and she's dead... oh, I'm sorry, were you saying something?

Kitsuna · Dec 22, 2025

How would I keep the harem growing if they're dead...?

Though I do not plan on killing off characters whatsoever, especially if it's just for pointless shock value. If I do kill a character, I'd probably make a way for them to come back... I don't see the point in writing characters I don't like

Naravelt · Dec 22, 2025

Sadly, for the sake of advancing the plot and character development, it has to be done.

I do feel sad for them, but well… if I think about it again, the story would basically end prematurely, and there’d be no meaningful character development if those characters didn’t die.

Another taboo for me is resurrecting dead characters. It just cheapens their deaths anyway.

LuciferVermillion · Dec 22, 2025

Feels like this.

Envylope · Dec 22, 2025

I dislike when authors kill characters for no reason. Too often I see authors saying, "how should I kill of X or Y character?" In my opinion, this is a bad way to do it. Authors should be asking, "how does this character's death contribute to my story?"

I used to be the same edgy person, so I get it. But character's death with no significance is meaningless. That being said, I killed a major character in my most recent story. He was someone who went through redemption, and his death was meaningful to everyone involved. It was also something that the reader was not blindsided by. There were signs this would happen with his fading memory and what not.

Valmond · Dec 22, 2025

Envylope said:
I dislike when authors kill characters for no reason. Too often I see authors saying, "how should I kill of X or Y character?" In my opinion, this is a bad way to do it. Authors should be asking, "how does this character's death contribute to my story?"

I used to be the same edgy person, so I get it. But character's death with no significance is meaningless. That being said, I killed a major character in my most recent story. He was someone who went through redemption, and his death was meaningful to everyone involved. It was also something that the reader was not blindsided by. There were signs this would happen with his fading memory and what not.

Now name a major character Envylope, and kill em off.

CinnaSloth · Dec 23, 2025

Stories that only do it for shock value loses that value after the initial wtf, and will die in obscurity.
Killing well loved, and developed characters should have some kind of long lasting impact.
Not just on readers, but on the cast of characters still living.
-Unless, it's for comedic purposes, then everything is out the window, and isn't important... until it is.
like this guy:

FRWriter · Dec 23, 2025

Most people won't like it... I wouldn't do it.

If it's important for your story, go ahead... but don't expect invested readers to take it silently.

If their favorite character dies, they'll quit, and they'll do it loudly and leave you a gift of a 1-star rating behind.

Most people want a positive story. They want to escape into a great world. Killing an important character (as long as he or she is not a villain) is extremely depressing and can kill off their enjoyment of the story.

MFontana · Dec 23, 2025

Eldoria said:
Death of A Significant Fictional Character

Sometimes important characters have to die for the sake of the story, even if they're beloved by readers. Even if the author has been developing the character for years.

Hiken no Ace died for protecting Luffy and ushering in a new era of piracy. Jiraya-sensei died for unlocking the secret to defeating Akatsuki leader, Pain.

These character deaths sometimes shock readers. Uchiha Itachi's death, for example, prompted a Russian teenager to commit suicide. It may be dark, but fictional characters in the modern era have become 'loyal friends' to fans. Their deaths are heartbreaking for some readers.

My question is, as an author, how do you feel about killing off a significant character you've spent so much time developing?

Honestly, it depends on the story I'm writing.
For characters in the world of Elaria, death needn't necessarily be the end for them. It IS possible (albeit extremely difficult) for them to be revived with Eshraea's blessings, for in the Infinite Tapestry (the setting I've created) she rules over the death in all of its forms and aspects, and such is strictly her domain.
There are various circumstances at play, but with this in mind, I have absolutely zero qualms about killing off any given character, at any given time, because it serves the dramatic tension.
For those who DO grow attached to my characters, I urge you to remember this.
No matter what may happen on the pages of my stories, the soul is eternal in the Infinite Tapestry, and anyone can come back to live a new life with the blessings of Eshraea, Goddess of the Underworld. So... if your favorite dies in one of my stories, feel free to grab a pen, and some paper, and write your own story for them when they return. Between you and me... and anyone else reading this... I'd love to read your cool stories too.

Worthy39 · Dec 23, 2025

MFontana said:
Honestly, it depends on the story I'm writing.
For characters in the world of Elaria, death needn't necessarily be the end for them. It IS possible (albeit extremely difficult) for them to be revived with Eshraea's blessings, for in the Infinite Tapestry (the setting I've created) she rules over the death in all of its forms and aspects, and such is strictly her domain.
There are various circumstances at play, but with this in mind, I have absolutely zero qualms about killing off any given character, at any given time, because it serves the dramatic tension.
For those who DO grow attached to my characters, I urge you to remember this.
No matter what may happen on the pages of my stories, the soul is eternal in the Infinite Tapestry, and anyone can come back to live a new life with the blessings of Eshraea, Goddess of the Underworld. So... if your favorite dies in one of my stories, feel free to grab a pen, and some paper, and write your own story for them when they return. Between you and me... and anyone else reading this... I'd love to read your cool stories too.

Mhm, mhm, now kill off your protagonist's love interest. Like me!

MFontana · Dec 23, 2025

Worthy39 said:
Mhm, mhm, now kill off your protagonist's love interest. Like me!

Why would I do that... when I can just have said love-interest captured by the villain and tortured, and then have the protagonist rescue said love interest, only to be killed by the villain at the precise moment they lock eyes with said love-interest and think everything is going to be okay?

FRWriter · Dec 23, 2025

MFontana said:
Why would I do that... when I can just have said love-interest captured by the villain and tortured, and then have the protagonist rescue said love interest, only to be killed by the villain at the precise moment they lock eyes with said love-interest and think everything is going to be okay?

Do you have any readers left? That sounds like torture. It might be funny in theory, but if you really pull out something like that, you'll lose half your readers, and your reputation is ruined ;)

If I'd go blind and a story pulls something like that out of its ass, I would rage. Even if the villain eventually dies and gets his Karma, that's still bullshit.

Reminds me of FE: Genealogy of the Holy War.

People will destroy you... at least if they are really invested in the story up to that point.

MFontana · Dec 24, 2025

FRWriter said:
Do you have any readers left? That sounds like torture. It might be funny in theory, but if you really pull out something like that, you'll lose half your readers, and your reputation is ruined ;)

If I'd go blind and a story pulls something like that out of its ass, I would rage. Even if the villain eventually dies and gets his Karma, that's still bullshit.

Reminds me of FE: Genealogy of the Holy War.

People will destroy you... at least if they are really invested in the story up to that point.

Yeah. I can see why it would be torturous. Honestly... That's part of the intent, and all the more reason to deliver on it in one of my upcoming Dark Fantasy stories.
Though; at present, you could just take it as the joke it was intended to be, because it doesn't fit thematically with any of my current projects.
Aethara is a story about leadership and the price of power layered into a Dark-Fantasy Kingdom-Builder LitRPG/Isekai with heavy Gothic undertones.
Project H is a light-hearted, harem rom-com with sci-fi elements. The complete opposite tone for a beat like that, which is intended more as a 'choose-your-own-adventure' style episodic story for adults. (Formal Title Release pending reader input).
Duskfall is a LitRPG/Isekai story that isn't released here (yet) and is more focused on survival, teamwork, and adventure in a Gothic Dark-Fantasy world where the characters are struggling to hold onto Hope and rebuild a Community amidst ever-growing hopelessness [Volume 1]. While this one has a slow-burn Romance sub-plot, it doesn't lend well into that story beat.

And yeah, sure. It'd piss off some people. Others would certainly love it. That's true for just about anything and everything any author does, so it's no reason for me to not do something that works for the story.

Side note: Very nice choice of game btw. Haven't had the time to play through Holy War yet, but it is on my list. For the FE games, so far I'd say 7 was my favorite. (Lyn is easily my favorite FE character).

FRWriter · Dec 24, 2025

MFontana said:
Yeah. I can see why it would be torturous. Honestly... That's part of the intent, and all the more reason to deliver on it in one of my upcoming Dark Fantasy stories.
Though; at present, you could just take it as the joke it was intended to be, because it doesn't fit thematically with any of my current projects.
Aethara is a story about leadership and the price of power layered into a Dark-Fantasy Kingdom-Builder LitRPG/Isekai with heavy Gothic undertones.
Project H is a light-hearted, harem rom-com with sci-fi elements. The complete opposite tone for a beat like that, which is intended more as a 'choose-your-own-adventure' style episodic story for adults. (Formal Title Release pending reader input).
Duskfall is a LitRPG/Isekai story that isn't released here (yet) and is more focused on survival, teamwork, and adventure in a Gothic Dark-Fantasy world where the characters are struggling to hold onto Hope and rebuild a Community amidst ever-growing hopelessness [Volume 1]. While this one has a slow-burn Romance sub-plot, it doesn't lend well into that story beat.

And yeah, sure. It'd piss off some people. Others would certainly love it. That's true for just about anything and everything any author does, so it's no reason for me to not do something that works for the story.

Side note: Very nice choice of game btw. Haven't had the time to play through Holy War yet, but it is on my list. For the FE games, so far I'd say 7 was my favorite. (Lyn is easily my favorite FE character).

I haven't played Genealogy... that's why I mentioned it in response to your plan... *AAAAHEM Spoiler*

Do whatever you want. I always think it's important that you write for yourself.

However, I can tell you that if people love your story, you will lose readers... a lot of them. Better warn them in the blurb that characters may die...

Nekyo · Dec 24, 2025

Eldoria said:
Death of A Significant Fictional Character

Sometimes important characters have to die for the sake of the story, even if they're beloved by readers. Even if the author has been developing the character for years.

Hiken no Ace died for protecting Luffy and ushering in a new era of piracy. Jiraya-sensei died for unlocking the secret to defeating Akatsuki leader, Pain.

These character deaths sometimes shock readers. Uchiha Itachi's death, for example, prompted a Russian teenager to commit suicide. It may be dark, but fictional characters in the modern era have become 'loyal friends' to fans. Their deaths are heartbreaking for some readers.

My question is, as an author, how do you feel about killing off a significant character you've spent so much time developing?

I would honestly only ever consider killing off a main character if I'm already aiming to write a tragedy. I think the main cast tends to be so important that it feels broken if any of them dies for good. It'd be like eliminating a Mugiwara. The damage would be irreparable.

But when talking tragedy, I think of course, that nothing could be more devastating than the loss of the characters you followed through the journey.

MFontana said:
Why would I do that... when I can just have said love-interest captured by the villain and tortured, and then have the protagonist rescue said love interest, only to be killed by the villain at the precise moment they lock eyes with said love-interest and think everything is going to be okay?

Sounds oddly similar to something that might eventually happen in one of my writing someday~ :o Still you did mention that in one of your universes the characters may always be revived, so as long as that is present to the readers they might still have hope to make things right.

MFontana said:
Yeah. I can see why it would be torturous. Honestly... That's part of the intent, and all the more reason to deliver on it in one of my upcoming Dark Fantasy stories.
Though; at present, you could just take it as the joke it was intended to be, because it doesn't fit thematically with any of my current projects.
Aethara is a story about leadership and the price of power layered into a Dark-Fantasy Kingdom-Builder LitRPG/Isekai with heavy Gothic undertones.
Project H is a light-hearted, harem rom-com with sci-fi elements. The complete opposite tone for a beat like that, which is intended more as a 'choose-your-own-adventure' style episodic story for adults. (Formal Title Release pending reader input).
Duskfall is a LitRPG/Isekai story that isn't released here (yet) and is more focused on survival, teamwork, and adventure in a Gothic Dark-Fantasy world where the characters are struggling to hold onto Hope and rebuild a Community amidst ever-growing hopelessness [Volume 1]. While this one has a slow-burn Romance sub-plot, it doesn't lend well into that story beat.

And yeah, sure. It'd piss off some people. Others would certainly love it. That's true for just about anything and everything any author does, so it's no reason for me to not do something that works for the story.

Side note: Very nice choice of game btw. Haven't had the time to play through Holy War yet, but it is on my list. For the FE games, so far I'd say 7 was my favorite. (Lyn is easily my favorite FE character).

Lyn mentioned! She's one of my top three favorites along Lucina and Alear.

FRWriter said:
I haven't played Genealogy... that's why I mentioned it in response to your plan... *AAAAHEM Spoiler*

Do whatever you want. I always think it's important that you write for yourself.

However, I can tell you that if people love your story, you will lose readers... a lot of them. Better warn them in the blurb that characters may die...

Would you say a story like Dragon Ball needs to warn readers that characters may die? Technically the first death of ever of a main character like Krillin's was a shocker.

FRWriter · Dec 24, 2025

Nekyo said:
Would you say a story like Dragon Ball needs to warn readers that characters may die? Technically the first death of ever of a main character like Krillin's was a shocker.

I don't remember Dragon Ball permanently killing off protagonists (permanently at least)... most Anime don't. It's always supporting characters only. There are rarely any real MC deaths because Japanese Mangaka know the heavy reactions from their fans.

Also, you can't compare Anime with web novels.

I am merely stating that a majority of your readers will not acknowledge your decision and will revolt if you kill off a beloved main character (especially if it's later in the story and you are past the 100-200 chapter mark)

As someone who killed off a major character (not the main character) in the early arcs of his stories, I have received quite a lot of hate mail, and a lot of people stopped. Those who accepted it didn't enjoy it.

I am merely telling you the reality. There is barely any upside, but there is a real downside.

As an author, how do you feel as an author killing off such a significant character?

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