Betrayal.

PoppysInARow · Feb 3, 2010

If there is another forum discussing this topic, I'm sorry I missed it.

Anyway, in my book, one of my characters betrays my MC and hands him over to the antagonist.

Now, there are two ways that a betrayal can be conducted in a novel:

1) We can set up the entire novel to create little clues about who the traitor is, building up tension the old fashion way without actually explicitely saying who the bastard traitor is.

2) Or, we can let the reader know who the traitor is through private scenes. This, of course, builds suspense because the reader knows that the character is a rat bastard and wonders when the idiot MC is going to stop trusting said character and realize how horrible they are.

In your reading and writing experience, which is more fun for the reader? Which is more effective?

Annayna · Feb 3, 2010

I like number 1... only because it builds on suspense... keeps the reader on edge

Collectonian · Feb 3, 2010

I think it really depends on the story (standard answer, I know). Some stories, its better to just drop hints, but keep it hidden, while in others showing in other scenes also rocks. What is the aim of the story? To be a suspense piece or some other kind of focus?

TheIT · Feb 3, 2010

All depends on the story. Sometimes it's fun knowing all along what's happening, sometimes it's fun to be surprised. Try both and see what works for your story.

bluebell80 · Feb 3, 2010

I prefer non-obvious tips of betrayal. The best books I've read where someone was betraying someone else, was where the writer left me guessing until the end. I kind of like the big reveals, but with little clues only observant readers will catch. I like to be kept guessing and no knowing where things are leading.

Matera the Mad · Feb 3, 2010

I'm for keeping it snecret (that's not a typo, it's a pun, dangit), but Option 4 could be fun.

Pesimisticus · Feb 3, 2010

Almost always, I prefer books that drop clues of betrayal that are only obvious AFTER you find out that said person betrayed said other person. That way, it doesn't seem like you sprang it out of nowhere, the reader is still surprised, but left scratching their head thinking, "I should have realized that...."

kaitie · Feb 4, 2010

I prefer the first option as well, though I could see how it could go to do the second. For instance, if you're in a situation where you're following the MC and knowing he's about to realize he's been betrayed and this is going to destroy him completely, then it might build tension in it's own way. I'm definitely for little clues hidden throughout, though. I always love a fun surprise like that, and even more so I love figuring it out in advance and then seeing if I'm right.

Also I am stupid and clicked the wrong button on the poll. Oopsie!

gothicangel · Feb 4, 2010

Another vote for option 1, probably be my crime/thriller pedigree

On the other hand, if you go for the big shock betrayal I'm going to be pretty peed off at you!

backslashbaby · Feb 4, 2010

I think my favorite is a combination. Stage 1, suspense builds and we don't know the reveal; somethin's creepy, though! Stage 2, aaaccck we found out, but poor MC doesn't know. Tell him, someone!

bearilou · Feb 4, 2010

backslashbaby said:
I think my favorite is a combination. Stage 1, suspense builds and we don't know the reveal; somethin's creepy, though! Stage 2, aaaccck we found out, but poor MC doesn't know. Tell him, someone!

You said what I was struggling to put in words, so I'll just echo, this!

DrZoidberg · Feb 4, 2010

I vote for secret. Just my personal preference.

cbenoi1 · Feb 4, 2010

It's not the recipe, but how you present the meal. Option 1 if there is another twist waiting down the pages (the MC foils it in some unexpected way), or 2 if there is enough foreshadowing that it doesn't leave a sour aftertaste when it finally happens.

-cb

Lady Ice · Feb 4, 2010

2 is more fun and brings the reader in more. We are being given information that the protagonist doesn't know; this is interesting and exciting. Option 1 means that the writer has been holding back on us the whole time; it works in formulaic thrillers but not for any other betrayal. if the betrayal's just a plot point, 1; if the betrayal is integral, 2.

Harold Pinter's play, Betrayal, is about an affair. It actually starts once the affair has ended, and works backwards.

Rhoda Nightingale · Feb 4, 2010

Hm. I'm a fan of dramatic irony, but I'd vote against making your MC look like an idiot. That's not a good way to get the reader on his/her side, regardless of how you handle the betrayal.

DennisB · Feb 5, 2010

I, for one, hate the big surprise ending. I'd rather be let in on the secret early, then "watch" the MC stay one step ahead or behind, finally putting it all together.

Stellan · Feb 5, 2010

It depends on the story.

Sometimes, I like seeing things unfold right over the hapless characters' heads. Sometimes, I like to be stunned by a completely unforeseen betrayal. As long as it's done well and fits the story, it doesn't matter to me.

Done well, for me, in this case, meaning no "Ahahaha!! It was me all along, for I am suddenly evil, and also I am a cabbage!!" Twist endings without good foreshadowing just make me feel like someone's pulled the rug out from under me and is snickering at my pain.

Lady Ice · Feb 5, 2010

Rhoda Nightingale said:
Hm. I'm a fan of dramatic irony, but I'd vote against making your MC look like an idiot. That's not a good way to get the reader on his/her side, regardless of how you handle the betrayal.

It only makes the MC look like an idiot if it isn'r done properly. If you choose the most blockheaded character to be the betrayer and reveal that at the beginning, we won't like either character.
Ever read/seen Othello? We know that Iago's a bad guy ut he's also manipulative and charming; we can see how someone might fall for it.

Dawnstorm · Feb 5, 2010

Here's something to consider. If you keep the betrayal a secret, you're losing the opportunity to develop the character of the traitor. As people said, how much of a loss that is depends on the story. I like the way Lady Ice put it:

Lady Ice said:
if the betrayal's just a plot point, 1; if the betrayal is integral, 2.

maestrowork · Feb 5, 2010

Probably a bit of both. You want to build suspense and have plot twists, but books are about people, and emotions. When the readers (and character) know about betrayal, it elicits a strong human response, and that's what you want in fiction.

Think about the Count of Monte Cristo... we didn't know who betrayed him at first, but pretty soon we know (even if Edmund didn't). Basically, you need to time this right so that you don't spill the beans too soon, but also not too late so the readers would say, "duh!" or they're frustrated.

Soothing Snow · Feb 7, 2010

I like option 2. But as others have already pointed out, it depends on the story.

Ruv Draba · Feb 7, 2010

The drama in betrayal is in two places: the motive of the betrayer and the reaction of the betrayed. The best place for it to occur is when it has the worst impact. That's when the betrayer feels most treacherous or the betrayed feels most wronged. That doesn't give you many choices at all.

The best place for Macbeth to betray King ~~Banquo~~ Duncan is when the king has just given him gifts of titles and is celebrating his friend's success. The best place for Brutus to betray Caesar is when Caesar is already attacked and in need of aid, and his best friend strikes the final, mortal blow.

kurzon · Feb 7, 2010

If you don't reveal who the traitor is until the end, and the traitor is someone likeable, you will be dealing with a certain amount of reader betrayal as well, as you've upset their expectations.

So long as the clues are there, you should be good, but reader expectation is a double-edged sword.

Lady Ice · Feb 7, 2010

Ruv Draba said:
The drama in betrayal is in two places: the motive of the betrayer and the reaction of the betrayed. The best place for it to occur is when it has the worst impact. That's when the betrayer feels most treacherous or the betrayed feels most wronged. That doesn't give you many choices at all.

The best place for Macbeth to betray King Banquo is when Banquo has just given him gifts of titles and is celebrating his friend's success. The best place for Brutus to betray Caesar is when Caesar is already attacked and in need of aid, and his best friend strikes the final, mortal blow.

Banquo isn't king, although it is prophesised by the Witches that his off-spring will be. Duncan was the King until Macbeth killed him and usurped the title.

Ruv Draba · Feb 8, 2010

Lady Ice said:
Banquo isn't king, although it is prophesised by the Witches that his off-spring will be. Duncan was the King until Macbeth killed him and usurped the title.

Aieee! Banquo was his bud. Sorry for posting late.

Now fixed.

Betrayal.

What is the most effective way to handle betrayal?

Let the reader know! It freaks them out and builds tension!

Keep it hidden in the end. It's a huge shocker for the reader!

Pfft, you are obviously a novice. I will point out the obvious right answer below.

Hm, option four? Yup, gonna go with option four. :)

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