"So what comes first, the character or the story?" I think this is a genre question. The mystery/horror/fantasy reader is primarily concerned with what comes next (story). The trade reader is primarily concerned with how we respond to each another (character).
I agree, in general. But, speaking as an appreciator of and writer in these very genres, I think the best mystery/horror/fantasy tales take strong, memorable characters along on the ride.
"So what comes first, the character or the story?" I think this is a genre question. The mystery/horror/fantasy reader is primarily concerned with what comes next (story). The trade reader is primarily concerned with how we respond to each another (character).
I agree, in general. But, speaking as an appreciator of and writer in these very genres, I think the best mystery/horror/fantasy tales take strong, memorable characters along on the ride.
Absolutely.