In an earlier entry, “What Would Superman Do?“, where I discussed maintaining character ethics–keeping in character–someone commented that under certain circumstances people do act out of character. It was a good point, and I could not fault the reasoning. I agree that with extreme circumstances, extreme behavior is possible, even likely.
A contributor to one of my WEbook projects brought up physical reality in writing Science Fiction and Fantasy, and between the two comments got me thinking. Our readers not only expect verisimilitude in our work, but hold our feet to the fire when it comes to physical reality… unless…
Unless there is a good explanation for why the dropped item does not fall, or we see a star cradled inside the crescent of the moon. Going outside expected reality requires more than description. There must be an explanation–on some level–that explains it all. Whether it be a Universe where physical laws do not apply, an internal (mental) world where desire or fear overrule physics, or a dream, there must always be a reason.
Our readers are sharp and discerning. Disrespect of the reader’s intellect is always a mistake.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio... and isn't it time you experienced some of them?
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