Subject: Writing Sample Critique
Author:
Posted on: 2011-05-09 09:03:00 UTC

Disclaimer: I'm not a PG but i'll give you my 2 cents anyway.

I'm seeing enough errors that I'm going to go line by line:

First thing I notice is a weird transition at the end of the first paragraph. It implies that the agent is actively being lectured by the flowers, but that is not the case.

recently assigned to the Department of Mary Sues

Of all the things to say for the very first descriptive text of Karem you use that? This is the introduction! This line should give you the foundation of this character's personality. It shouldn't tell you what department she's in.

I don't have the same problem with parenthesis that DML does: the insert about Triple seems to fit fine, although the exact words are a bit clumsy.

I also disagree with DML about the front-loading descriptions. They have their place, and the first introduction of the main characters can certainly stand to have two sentences each of description. It's to-the-point and not remotely purple.

After a moment’s consideration, Triple walked over to the right side of the room and placed his armchair near the bathroom door.

Did his armchair become pocket-sized since the last time it was mentioned?

Triple called over his shoulder, speaking in a cultured accent.

A what?

Radiating about twenty feet from the door in all directions on the walls, ceiling, and floor were scorch marks that told the explosives expert a very large bomb had recently gone off in the RC.

I would think that his memories would tell him more than his bomb expert skills. The intro implies he was involved in causing it.

~~~

Okay, my first impression of Triple is that he's just unlikeable. My face is literally scrunching up reading him. He's got super strength and could easily do the job that multiple people are having trouble with, but he won't because he's a prick.

Triple’s lower left eyelid began to twitch sporadically.

At this point I'm surprised he has a human face. I was expecting some kind of ceramic mask instead. In fact, it makes it easier for me to swallow that he's an inhuman statue. I can't imagine an actual person like this.

“Cease at once, or I will not allow you any of the Bleeptea on the upcoming mission.”

Awesome. He's her boss too.

“Celebrian.” Triple spoke without inflection. His partner immediately collapsed on the floor and began to twitch in a way that was altogether disturbing.

And he's abusive and manipulative. Seriously, this is just horrible. He's sociopathically torturing his partner.

There is literally no flaw you can give to this guy that will justify how much of a prick he is. Why do you hate Karen so much that you give her this as a partner?

Sorry, but Triple is unsalvageable as a character. I strongly suggest starting over with him.

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