How much do you like authors to explain their main character's specialness?

[RainingFish]

So, I was reading a story where the MC was told he couldn't cultivate but was able to do so anyway, without any real explanation at all. Presumably, it's from having a strong will or something, but they didn't actually say that, or explain why his will would be especially strong. What are your thoughts about the MC's specialness over other characters in the story, and how much explanation it requires?

 

[Deleted member 84247]

There doesn't really need to be any explanation. The reader will see if they are special through the course of the story rather than telling them. You can explain things, but it doesn't necessarily make it true. Sometimes characters will have a false view of themselves.

 

[RepresentingWrath]

It depends.

 

[Valmond]

That is something that shouldn’t be explained, it should be shown. For instance, if I explained why the main of the series is such a threat.

It would defeat the point. Instead, you are shown through the Eternal Night. And in the finale, you learn they were the one who caused the Eternal Night.

The point is to show it. Showing something has far more weight than telling it. As you get the full on experience of it, and as such it sticks much harder.

Vita et Mors.

If I explained the main’s ability to rewrite reality, it would completely defeat the point. Showing their failure, and an event that led to the current cycle. An eternal reincarnation occurrence due to them not being able to control that power.

It sticks much harder.

Azure Night

If I just explained what an Iconoclast is, which is far too complex on top of that, would weaken the story. You are shown the path, you see as the main of this one evolves into the second one right before the finale.

The weight of their decisions, their path. Insecurities, fear, devotion, determination, etc. That sticks much harder.

If I opted for an explanation, all of this would have severely been reduced in their worth.

So, naturally my stance is to show me. Let me experience it.

 

[NotaNuffian]

Show, don't tell.

But do take note on the BS known as "showing off too much"

It is one thing to be cool to bitchslap the doubters the first time. It is lame as six hells if MC does it twenty more times.

 

[Valmond]

Show, don't tell.

But do take note on the BS known as "showing off too much"

It is one thing to be cool to bitchslap the doubters the first time. It is lame as six hells if MC does it twenty more times.

But on the 21st time, you subvert expectations. Then bitchslap them again when their guard is down.

 

[CharlesEBrown]

It depends on a lot of variables. I mean, the only reason Rincewind was special was due to the spell lodged in his brain - a spell that saved the world ... eventually... but which kept him from learning other spells, a pretty bad limitation for a wizard. The explanation came out in bits and pieces over two novels (The Light Fantastic, The Colour of Magic).
It took Wuntvor about half a book to find out that he was not the hero, but The Eternal Apprentice...

But those were comedies.

 

[butierHHF]

The 'oh, so speshul' part of a character is something I like being shown rather than told.

 

[BonnieHart]

Tossing in another vote for "none." I like stories where I get to figure it out on my own instead of having it explained to me.

 

[Representing_Tromba]

I would like to find out why they are special from various events in the story, not how the authors say they are(because they often lie or embellish their characters' specialness).

 

[CharlesEBrown]

Maybe if the author has to explain WHY the character is special, it really is NOT special?