READABOUT: what do you like in a story?
Hi and welcome to ReadAbout, a poll for readers of fiction of any kind.
I realize that, for a lot of these, it all depends on how well it's done - but think about your favorite books, the ones you keep coming back to again and again and again, the type of stories/characters that you look for every time you pick up a book. If there's check boxes, please try to only select two or three options. And if you have any questions, comments, or want to elaborate on any of your answers, please leave a comment!! I would love in-depth reasoning behind any of the choices, or even just spaztic "yes, this!"
Also, if you have friends who read, please post a link in your journal/on any relevant communities.
I realize that, for a lot of these, it all depends on how well it's done - but think about your favorite books, the ones you keep coming back to again and again and again, the type of stories/characters that you look for every time you pick up a book. If there's check boxes, please try to only select two or three options. And if you have any questions, comments, or want to elaborate on any of your answers, please leave a comment!! I would love in-depth reasoning behind any of the choices, or even just spaztic "yes, this!"
Also, if you have friends who read, please post a link in your journal/on any relevant communities.
What primary focus do you enjoy reading about most?
romance/relationship development
52(19.7%)
slice of life/everyday things
25(9.5%)
adventure plot/action
55(20.8%)
fantasy world/setting/society
61(23.1%)
personal growth/character development
71(26.9%)
What makes you keep turning the pages?
suspense- what's going to happen next?
76(29.2%)
character interaction
82(31.5%)
to see more of the world
35(13.5%)
beautiful writing/imagery
48(18.5%)
to see if character x and z get together or not
19(7.3%)
What character traits are you usually drawn to? (ie, That Character that's always your favorite)
relatability/normality
20(4.6%)
secret heart of gold
34(7.8%)
steady support/good friend
23(5.3%)
charisma/flamboyance
34(7.8%)
intelligence/cleverness
85(19.5%)
integrity/true to values/morals
40(9.2%)
gray/dubious morality
47(10.8%)
boneheaded bravery/awesomeness
16(3.7%)
self-confidence
25(5.7%)
shyness/social awkwardness
25(5.7%)
catty/scathing tongue
33(7.6%)
black-hearted
13(3.0%)
selflessness/kindness
21(4.8%)
physically attractive
17(3.9%)
physically unattractive
3(0.7%)
Here's some more! Try to pick only a few that you feel Really Strongly about.
wisdom/common sense
40(11.5%)
self-flagellating/pitying
7(2.0%)
competence/mastery of skills
41(11.7%)
curiosity/willingness to learn
39(11.2%)
open-hearted/loving
10(2.9%)
stone-hearted/closed off/distant
14(4.0%)
physically strong
9(2.6%)
physically weak
4(1.1%)
not entirely sane
43(12.3%)
promiscuity/sexually open
28(8.0%)
blushing virgin/innocent
6(1.7%)
artistic/creative/daydreamer
30(8.6%)
focused/determined
34(9.7%)
courageous/able to overcome fear
38(10.9%)
OTHER: will list in comments
6(1.7%)
If you had to choose, which one of these could save an otherwise terrible book?
the writing style
26(24.1%)
the main characters
39(36.1%)
the side characters
10(9.3%)
the action plot
11(10.2%)
the love plot
5(4.6%)
the concepts
7(6.5%)
the morals
0(0.0%)
the worldbuilding
10(9.3%)
And which would be a deal-breaker, if it's done wrong?
the writing style
46(43.0%)
the main characters
23(21.5%)
the side characters
0(0.0%)
the action plot
5(4.7%)
the love plot
11(10.3%)
the concepts
5(4.7%)
the morals
12(11.2%)
the worldbuilding
5(4.7%)
What's your favorite kind of PRIMARY plot?
a relationship developing (romantic or otherwise)
15(14.0%)
a quest for an object/person/action
27(25.2%)
political maneuvering
12(11.2%)
fulfulling a prophecy/destiny
7(6.5%)
personal growth/enlightenment
24(22.4%)
bad guy(s) doing bad things someone must stop it
15(14.0%)
coincidence/sequence of chance events
7(6.5%)
What's your favorite type of SECONDARY plot?
a relationship developing (romantic or otherwise)
35(32.4%)
a quest for an object/person/action
16(14.8%)
political maneuvering
10(9.3%)
fulfulling a prophecy/destiny
5(4.6%)
personal growth/enlightenment
27(25.0%)
bad guy(s) doing bad things someone must stop it
6(5.6%)
coincidence/sequence of chance events
9(8.3%)
none
0(0.0%)
What drives the best of stories?
the protagonist's motives
47(43.9%)
the antagonist's motives
19(17.8%)
outside motives - prophecy, legacy, etc
12(11.2%)
societal impact
7(6.5%)
moral consequences
12(11.2%)
random chance
10(9.3%)
What 'conquers all'?
love and friendship
48(17.6%)
justice and goodness
16(5.9%)
hard work and patience
27(9.9%)
courage and fortitude
29(10.7%)
knowledge and quick thinking
52(19.1%)
power and strength
10(3.7%)
timing and planning
28(10.3%)
money and status
5(1.8%)
forgiveness and change
36(13.2%)
truth and humility
21(7.7%)
Which issue would concern you MOST if it was badly dealt with?
Same-sex relationships
15(14.3%)
Gender identity
6(5.7%)
Race portrayal
18(17.1%)
Whitewashing
3(2.9%)
Gender portrayal
27(25.7%)
Animal rights
4(3.8%)
Slavery
1(1.0%)
Power exchange relationships
12(11.4%)
Polyamory
2(1.9%)
Ableism
3(2.9%)
Mental health
14(13.3%)
Which issue would concern you LEAST?
Same-sex relationships
8(7.7%)
Gender identity
4(3.8%)
Race portrayal
4(3.8%)
Whitewashing
4(3.8%)
Gender portrayal
1(1.0%)
Animal rights
35(33.7%)
Slavery
6(5.8%)
Power exchange relationships
11(10.6%)
Polyamory
23(22.1%)
Ableism
5(4.8%)
Mental health
3(2.9%)
Are you willing to forgive a lack of research in the name of a good story?
Sure, as long as it's entertaining
6(5.6%)
Sure, but there are one or two things that I just personally wouldn't be able to forgive
12(11.1%)
Only some, little details aren't important but it should at least make sense
34(31.5%)
Only some, little details aren't important but a concerted effort has to be made
28(25.9%)
Not really, inaccurate information takes the enjoyment out
18(16.7%)
Not really, it's unprofessional
5(4.6%)
No way. There's no excuse for a lack of research.
5(4.6%)
And lastly, what's your favorite kind of ending?
a cliffhanger!! AAAHHH!!!! where's the next book?!
4(3.7%)
a solid round-up with a gentle tease for more
54(50.5%)
mind-blowing revelation that changes the whole book
32(29.9%)
and they all lived happily ever after!
10(9.3%)
cut to black/left a mystery
7(6.5%)
...IT WAS ALL A DREAM THE WHOLE TIME.
0(0.0%)