What is people's thoughts of changing main characters throughout the story?

[Elend101]

Honestly one reason I remember really liking the series Game of Thrones was the fact that the writer changes the point of view to that of multiple different characters (in the book he even writes the name of the person the scene is focused around in the beginning). This is something I've considered trying to do more in my comic since I feel like alot of series have a tendency of focusing on the point of view from one single protagonist and there's something about doing that that can feel stale at times.

Do people in general think that this is a good thing to do? And if there is a "wrong" or "right" way to do it what would you say they are?

[darthmongoose]

I sometimes change PoV character in scenes in my comic. I think key things are to make sure that the change makes sense, like it's the best way to tell the story, not just a whim, and to be careful to establish the character strongly either before switching to them, or when they're introduced as the PoV.

That and each PoV character needs to be very distinctive. If you're always bouncing between characters who seem to be interchangeable without letting readers get to know them and have a feel for what's distinctive about them and where their story fits in with everything else going on, readers get tired.

Make a strong impression, never switch mid-scene, try to reassure the reader that you're showing this character for a reason that will pay off later by establishing links.

[Aleksei]

I do it a lot, too!
In fact, my last chapter its from the POV of a secondary character =P
And by some viewers its has been one of the best writen chapters (so far, I hope), so I think its a good thing =D

How I did it was to have this character in background, not very important, but we know that he is the school reporter, so when the school elections for high school council starts, I went for his POV to have a 'breath chapter', before the actual action start to happen and to have the opinions of different school second characters. I tackled some issues that the MCs didn't have, like inherent homophobia in society -that that people doesn't even know that its homophobic, and repeat those actions until called on them, and have a lightbulb moment to change themselves for the better.

All in all, you can always do it as you think best suits your story. You can use a higly profile character, so people don't get lost, or you can do it with an almost nobody, like me, and you can get away with it anyway n_n

There are some novels that use to change the POV from deutaragonist from one chapter to other. That's is always an option.

[HGohwell]

So, there's a difference between switching Main Character and switching points of view. Visual mediums often do this easier than written form, because you're less likely to be deep inside your character's head with a close pov. This is relatively common and pretty simple if you've got the basic rules down like not switching mid-scene (without some very careful consideration of what it can do, effectively it can be done well, like cutting between 2 scenes in a movie). Lots of stories switch POV between their main characters and even minor characters (and lots novels especailly have problems having too many povs that aren't necessary).

Switching main character needs to be handled a lot more carefully though. Changing main character(s) is completely shifting the story focus and plot. It's more than just switching point of view, it's like if Romero and Juliet carried on after their deaths and became about Rosalin. It's doable, but needs to be handled well or completely throws off the reader.

[wispysing]

I think it's fine, as long as they don't interrupt the flow of the plot. So as long as they make sense, and correspond with each other well I think it shouldn't be too confusing – if anything, I think it'll help add depth and a different insight as to what's happening in the story, and how each of the main characters perceive it.

Having multiple plots/subplots may be a little tricky, but you can always divide them into separate parts or arcs that'll help readers better prepare that they'll be entering a different part of the story from a different point of view.

[bronte448]

I have a story I haven't published yet where it appears to be about this super-powered kid, but it's actually about his normal best friend who's completely in awe and maybe a little jealous...

[AmazementComics]

I don’t think that’s necessarily a good idea. Because if you want to tell a story that is cohesive and follows a proper linear narrative, it’s easier to focus on the point of view of your protagonist(s). Jumping from one character’s POV to another takes me out of a story. Especially if their POV isn’t super crucial to the progression of the story like a supporting character. Unless it’s only done once or twice, it’s alright. But if that’s a storytelling technique that you want to include, I’d advice against it.

I don’t use it myself, and I haven’t seen too many other stories use it either.

[TheLemmaLlama]

(why is this in promotions lmao did you know a bunch of people have this category muted and therefore can't see this :'D)

In addition to what others have said, I feel like it's also influenced by the scope of the story; if your story is short/medium-ish, it could feel too chaotic to have multiple POVs. ASoIaF did it, but it was a pretty long series.

In general I have the same thought on questions of 'should I use X format in my story' - I'd generally advise against deciding on Format X from the get go and aim to write a story that uses that format, but rather start with what you actually want to say with your story, the parts you actually want to include, and think of how to package that.