Key Takeaways:
– Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead co-creator, has a penchant for killing off much-loved characters.
– Kirkman believes that high audience investment in characters can affect the flow of the story.
– The comic book creator does not seek approval for his narrative decisions from AMC or the showrunners.
– His approach to character deaths differs from that of Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin.
Kirkman’s View on Killing The Walking Dead’s Characters
While the death of a favorite character in a series can be heartbreaking for fans, The Walking Dead co-creator Robert Kirkman sees it as an essential way to maintain the overall story’s flow. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Kirkman explained that if he feels too attached to a character or is driven to steer the plot towards them, he tends to eliminate them.
Kirkman’s focus is on delivering a plot-driven story, and he believes too much emphasis on a beloved character may disrupt that goal. Therefore, he frequently kills off these popular figures, asserting that it helps maintain the story’s consistency.
Approach Differs from George R.R. Martin’s Treatment of Characters
Notably, Kirkman’s approach to handling beloved characters is starkly different from that adopted by Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin. While both writers seem to favor killing off well-liked personas, they have different motivations behind their brutal plot decisions.
Martin famously kills off most of his characters, yet he does this to make readers feel the raw impact of death. However, Kirkman takes a somewhat detached stance, preferring to eliminate characters when he believes they’re getting too much spotlight and could potentially skew the narrative towards them.
Kirkman’s Autonomy in Writing Narrative Arcs
Interestingly, when Kirkman was asked if he informs AMC or the showrunners before deciding to end a character’s journey, he noted that there’s no such requirement. He stated, “They have no approval over what happens in the comic. They’re kind of a hundred percent in the dark, which I guess is pretty remarkable, and I would probably say it’s a testament to the trust that AMC has in me.”
This response sheds light on the level of trust and autonomy Kirk and enjoys in developing The Walking Dead’s narrative arcs. It also explains why the show often has shocking turns of events that leave the audience astounded.
Comparison with Game of Thrones
The trend of killing off significant characters in The Walking Dead is reminiscent of Game of Thrones, where Martin didn’t shy away from dealing heartbreaking ends to fan-favorite characters. However, as stated earlier, each author has distinct thoughtfulness behind their choices – each aiming to deliver a rich and engaging story in different ways.
In conclusion, while fans may mourn the unexpected departure of their favorite characters in The Walking Dead, Kirkman’s explanation provides an insight into the rigorous plot development process. The Walking Dead is available to watch on AMC and Netflix, while Game of Thrones can be found streaming on HBO.
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