Chapter 281: Notes on Supporting Characters

Notes on Supporting Characters

Notes on Supporting Characters

Let me explain Li's plotline, including the poorly regarded Huang and Hu — their related scenes have always been somewhat controversial

A few friends are dissatisfied, some support it, but most readers don't care

This is backed by subscriptions; I would never sabotage myself — earlier plotlines were all foreshadowed, and if the reaction were too strong, I wouldn't have written it

In fact, I've already responded to this before, both in the group and in some chapter comments

Writing these characters serves character diversity — all the good, virtuous, obedient girls have become tiresome; complex characters are more interesting

Moreover, many plot points require someone to do the dirty work — the male lead can't do it without losing face, and having the female lead do it would ruin her image

Another reason is how I handle supporting characters — I've never supported "sleep with them and then take them in," so this novel consistently emphasizes that the female lead has only a few, and some supporting characters will leave

I write characters with more realistic, pragmatic traits — readers understand it's mutual benefit, each getting what they want; whether a supporting character fades away or departs later, the audience will accept it more easily

If all were well-received, likable characters, having them disappear would be harder to accept

Also, from a plot perspective, contrasting those who leave with those who stay can highlight the protagonist, reinforce narrative feedback, enhance satisfaction, and tie the story together

Moreover, even for poorly regarded characters, I've chosen timelines where they're relatively clean — the protagonist doesn't get cheated

The novel's tone and the protagonist's behavior are realistic and pragmatic; he's never been a good man, but he still holds a few basic boundaries

Not betraying good women, and cleanly parting ways with bad women after using them — to me, this is logical

That's all I'll say — I'm going back to writing

(End of Chapter)