Chao- Many of us have heard all writing is an argument. Chao is one to agree. Although many of us see an argument to mean a debate and carrying views that are one sided, that is not the case.
Agent Daisy- (raises eyebrow)
Chao- Writing is an argument because authors need to prove their points. It doesn't have to be about politics or religion, but if a writer is making a claim, then it's important to use descriptions in action and dialogue to prove a point.
Agent Daisy- ......
Chao- Well, here are some examples.
Example 1.
A. Baljeet followed.
B. Candace agreed.
C. Dr. Doofenshmirtz smiled.
Chao- Because many of us have seen the show, we are already familiar with each character and their image to this simple action. But adverbs are the part of speech used to modify a verb, adjective, or other adverb. If you have a character that is typically cheerful, adding adverbs help out show your readers that. If not, then the act can be interpreted as weak.
Example 2.
A. Baljeet followed sadly.
B. Candace reluctantly agreed.
C. Doofenshmirtz smiled wickedly, or Doofenshmirtz smiled gleefully.
Chao- Just adding these adverbs really improved example 2C. Doofenshmirtz is evil, but he is also a goofball. There are times when he smiles for his schemes or when he's truly happy, like placing his daughter first. These adverbs show different aspects to the same character, but they show he did more than just smile. Readers need to understand how a character does something, especially if it's OOC.
Have you ever read Stephen King's book, "On Writing"? In it, he argues against using adverbs unless it is vital to the story. For example, if a character you think is good is actually evil, you would hint at it by saying "Jill smiled maliciously".
ReplyDeleteI don't necessarily agree with King on the subject, but he does make a good point that most adverbs are used to death, when in actuality they only need to be used sparingly. Adverbs do help in describing characters and their actions, which can help set up scenes, but if you're using an adverb in every sentence, it can get annoying.
Chao- That sounds pretty interesting. Do you think adverbs can be overused while being string together by new writers? Adding too many words, making the sentence all and all too wordy? After all, any words writers use, even small punctuation marks like evil commas, MUST be there for a reason.
ReplyDeleteYChao- Maybe, but you should still take a look at that book, though. YOU could learn a thing or two outside your little world of college and fan fics.
Chao- Psh, Stephen King is just an author who has books, novellas, and stuff turned into movies. What else does he have?
YChao- His works have been parodied time and time again.
Chao- ... You win this round...