Which do you think seems better?

[Roshii]

This is some story idea I have, basically for a fantasy genre not horror. The character is a monster that people are afraid of but they aren't evil and all they want is to fit in.

Which one could be better for this in the story? Would the readers know already that the character is a monster at the start or just give them the plot twist later on? I know both can be good.. but I dunno.

(Sorry if my English is wack)

• Character revealed to be a monster already and tries best to hide their identity
• Character is revealed to be the monster all this time later on in the story(basically the twist)

Show results

[fleohr]

I think before you give away the character is a monster, you could show some glances of its monstruosity (not sure if this the right word lol) like, a tail, feet, etc that shows its a monster

Or would it have the same appearance as a human?

[daeofthepast]

I would like knowing all along because then you can have super tense scenes where the character is ALMOST found out, the sitting-on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind. it would work very well, especially if being found out would have a extreme consequences

[joannekwan]

I suppose it depends on what kind of monster the main character is supposed to be? Do they look like a normal human or is it really obvious they aren't?

[Roshii]

Hmm, human but suspiciously not normal(?) Though then again everyone in their world are humanoid freaks(not human) who has extra parts in their body, unnatural colors, all can use magic and such. It's just there's something from the character that people in his world doesn't like him.

I guess a bit spoilers for showing the designs but he will get a redesign soon. These are old, the pink one basically is the "monster" and the blue is his foster mother

[TheFireDragon]

I guess it depends on what kind of story you're telling. If it's more comedic, cute, light-hearted, romantic or all of the above, then it's probably best to reveal it at first and have them hide it. But if you're going for a more emotional, deep or dramatic tone, then definitely wait until the end.

[Roshii]

Hmmm, well kinda happy and relief there are many votes on the "character already revealed as a monster from start" since basically I tend to draw this character a lot and posted in many of my social media and just basically spoiled what the character is.

A lot people(my followers) really wanted to see his story since he is adorable and creepy.

[qwerty]

Another option maybe is a compromise, where you reveal that the character is a monster early on in the story but not at the very beginning. This way you can still make it seem like a nice "twist" or revelation (although likely not as powerful as if you had waited for longer), while still not having to worry about concealing his identity throughout the whole story.

[darkone4587]

She's so damned cute!!!

[storytimebiondi]

My reasoning for showing that they are a monster right away:

You're going to need tension in your story. Now, that tension can come out in other ways if you go with the 'twist' version of your story, but by revealing they are a monster right away, you have a lot more room to play.

If the reader knows they are a monster, you have the opportunity to have greater character development. Readers have the opportunity to sympathize with the character as they go through their dramatic highs and lows (moments in which they display humanity or monstrosity), and are able to understand how far the character has come.
As well, for tension, by knowing the character is a monster right away, you have the choice to raise tension by having points where the character is trying (and nearly failing) to hide their true nature. The reader can understand these moments, knowing what is at stake. Not only that, but for moments of internal character tension, the readers can understand the real stakes of the character's troubles.

[SamuelCharcot]

I think it's better to let the reader know the character is a monster, because with that you can focus on the plot of the monster trying to fit in. One similar plot is the King Kong movie from the 30's, the viewer knows the big ape is a frightening monster, but the relationship with the woman let them sympathize with Kong.