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Why are so many books utterly and totally lacking in physical descriptions of characters? (hexbear.net)

submitted 4 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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[–] ashinadash@hexbear.net 3 points 4 months ago

It's not a massive hassle I guess, but I would rather have something firm to construct the mental image in my brain around, I guess. Plus sometimes context of the scene can paint characters in ways that contradict how I read them, subjectivity.

Again I'm not asking for detailed biology class models or tailor's receipts, just more than literally nothing. I like when I can glean details from the narrative like the strength example you give, but lots of novels don't even have that, y'know?