Killing a character is never just about the method. Claire Applewhite, Jennie Bentley, Mike Orenduff, and Philip Cioffari discuss the wide range of ways authors approach fictional deaths, from research choices to narrative impact. This session explores how much realism is enough, how craft decisions shape reader response, and how to handle violence thoughtfully and effectively on the page.
The Art and Consequences of Character Death
Why do some characters have to die? In this candid panel, authors unpack the creative and emotional decisions behind killing off characters. They explore how death shapes story, raises stakes, and serves theme, while discussing when a character’s death strengthens a...
