Jul 2017
20 / 29
Aug 2017
Aug 2017
dawgofdawgness
Jul '17

I think if you're aiming for a more traditional webcomic style, introducing the characters early on is the way to go, since it gives readers a sense of whether they want to read it or not.
But if you want to go for a more graphic novel or comic style, then it's best to introduce the characters naturally as the story goes on. It's a bit more realistic too in my opinion.

I know a lot of webcomics do that thing where they have one page with "meet the characters" and it lists their basic personality and traits. I personally would suggest not doing that since it doesn't really allow for character development -in other words, "labeling" your characters from the start may make it harder to develop them later on.

Canis
Jul '17

Hmm sometimes I mention them within dialogue but they never make an appearance until later on or just as the story goes on :smile:

MST3KFan
Jul '17

I introduced a good chunk of my main characters pretty early on in my comic, but I gradually brought in other characters as time went on as otherwise I felt dumping the entire cast all in one fell swoop would be a bit overwhelming.

Basically get people to like the characters you introduce and then introduce other characters later on, which I always did in story arcs

IdiotWithPencil
Jul '17

depends, main cast? should be introduce from the start, villans? can be introduced progressively in the story, secondary characters? after establishing main characters, and to get people invested has nothing to do with how long you see a character, it how it acts and if the audience clikes with the character example kamina from gurren lagann is established early and quickly and we get attached from ep one just by his energy and personality, while trunks from DBZ is established farly at the end of the series and we also clike with him, concentrate on making the characters appealing and when the plot or story asks for them introduce them

respheal
Jul '17

The only thing I'd recommend AGAINST is introducing new characters after the midpoint of any arc (whether it be the main arc or subplots). As with objects, introducing new characters after the midpoint can come off as "solution out of a hat"-ish (i.e. deus ex machina). It can make it seem like the character was created solely to get the other characters out of a bind. As in all things writings, exceptions can be made, but it's harder to pull off well.

scarlet_wings_kaili
Jul '17

I don't think that a character that's introduced late isn't attachable. It all depends on how you write that character
One thing to keep in mind of is introducing too many new characters at the beginning could leave your audiences confused.

CaptnHeroic
Jul '17

I think you can introduce them at any time during the story. Just be sure to make it believable, and give the reader a reason to like them. Make them do something nice or good to which the reader will say, "Hey, that's a nice guy" or make them feel for them by putting them in a position to where the reader can relate and feels bad for the character.

KateGrove
Jul '17

I wouldn't introduce all characters at once. It's infodump, and it's better to avoid that.

There's nothing wrong with introducing an important character later, readers can still get attached to them. All you need to do is make them memorable (which is easier said than done, I know). Good luck with your story!

theladiesi
Jul '17

I think it depends on the story. My sis and I have a type of "road trip" comic where our main characters travel around a planet looking for their missing family. They meet a lot of characters on the way who all have their own stories. They'll be introduced when the comic gets to them. But that's just how the story goes. It probably depends on what works best for the story as to when to introduce new characters.

zetina
Jul '17

I hate when a lot of characters are introduced at once. Like... You can show 20 characters at once but don't expect me to learn their names at the same time? And don't use them all at once. It's a subjective thing sometimes cuz well I just won't remember randos who mean nothing to me. I like getting to know characters along with the protagonist, kinda. I guess I prefer a focus on smaller casts, with more characters added/explored gradually. By the end, I can know and care for all 20 characters and more. Butyea. Readers will get attached to whoever they like provided they're interesting enough.

sarrowsmith10
Jul '17
respheal

^^^ I think this is a good point. In our comic, there are some major players that are introduced past the half way point, but our characters did talk about them earlier in the plot, and their appearance makes sense later in the story as the characters are going on a journey to find other characters. But in general, I think its weird to be forever introducing major characters especially as the series is heading towards the finish. It makes them feel less like major characters and more like convenient background.

Migue
Jul '17
zetina

Tottaly agree. I think that if you just present a lot of characters without any kind of narrative attached to them they wont be important for the reader and he/she will forget about the character as soon as he dissappear of panel.

ButterflyEmpress
Jul '17

I think they should be introduced progressively or when the start to become relevant. I find it annoying when a bunch of characters get introduced in the beginning, only for some of them to be put to the side until the plot needs them and by that time I forgotten about them.

travelercomic
Aug '17

To me it really just depends on when it makes sense for the character to be introduced. Only two of the initial four main characters are shown in the first chapter of our comic for instance, but two more will be in chapter 2. Then there are certain characters that appear to have little importance to the story at first, but as the story goes on they will be integral to the plot.

jennula
Aug '17

I actually introduced all four main characters, although two of them briefly, in the first chapter of my current comic. In the second chapter, the briefly introduced character got the limelight and got properly introduced. With each chapter, I usually present a few characters that are secondary to the story, but to help understand the main character's back stories and personalities and such, and I guess that will happen for a few more chapters =)

I've introduced main characters to stories pretty late in older comics, but I think I prefer to introduce them early and flesh them out as the story goes - I've made this character, let me tell you (almost) everything about them XD

zetina
Aug '17
Migue

See, a lot of times they all do have a narrative but also their names and bits of it all appear at once/quick succession. So if there's a bunch of people competing for screentime, I'll sooner tune the information out because idk what is important yet. A lot of time I end up invested way down the line and rereading such beginning parts makes me learn a lot I had missed haha

Down_the_Rabbithole
Aug '17

I like to introduce characters over time. It feels less cluttered that way and I can produce a stronger story.

ryoko
Aug '17

I don't think introducing an important character later on stops readers from getting attached. I think readers get overwhelmed if you suddenly throw ALL your characters at them first off. There's no right or wrong way, it's just a matter of how your comic is set up and how you go about pacing your storyline. I have several characters that weren't immediately introduced but are very important to the main plot. I'm pretty sure one of them has become the most popular character now.

scythe
Aug '17

If you can't introduce a character early on, why not leave a hint about the character? Often not seeing them, but just hearing about them is more enjoyable than the actual character.

The bad guy from the Luke Cage show was like that. They all kept talking about him like he was the baddest bad ass going, and super hidden, and it was great, then he showed up and he was kinda meh. But I digress. As long as when your character does arrive they aren't meh, should be a cool addition to your story.

Mocha
Aug '17

I think it really depends on what length of story you're writing. If it's a long story having everyone introduced in the beginning will probably feel too forced (of course there are exceptions). Introducing everyone in the beginning would make more sense if it's a short story I think...

Anyways I personally get attached to both early and late introduced characters, so it's mostly just a matter of preference.