this post was submitted on 25 Jun 2024
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Why are so many books utterly and totally lacking in physical descriptions of characters? (hexbear.net)
submitted 3 months ago by ashinadash@hexbear.net to c/chat@hexbear.net
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Bonus points if the author first mentions a specific trait, physical build, or whatever else halfway through the novel and totally fucks up my mental image.

I don't expect a biology model description for each character, but write me something brief and evocative of how they should look, you fucking dork author. I don't even know how tall she should be, her hair colour, anything. Why are you like this, author?

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[–] Diuretic_Materialism@hexbear.net 21 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Because it's awkward and easily done in ways that can come off problematic. If you're describing an attractive character you end up coming off horny, if you describe an unattractive character you come off mean. If you're describing an attractive character of another race then you come off horny and fetishistic. So I guess a lot of author just opt for being vague on details.

[–] ashinadash@hexbear.net 14 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Sorta sounds like a skill issue to me? I'm not asking for stats on the roundness of pert buttcheeks either though...

[–] Evilsandwichman@hexbear.net 19 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Whaaaaaat? You don't want a sci fi author to be like "this is Eric; he has black hair and is tall, this is his buddy Paul, he's muscular but of average height, this is Alice, she is also tall with almond eyes and has gigantic gazongas"