Can you explain why it is unprofessional to trauma dump towards the END of a story? I want to know how it effects the writing in general.
If a major trauma or dark past is introduced the last leg of the story it gives the feel of an 'incomplete story' or 'unfinished work' since trauma is an intense theme and must be unravelled throughout the length of the story and given due thought while it is allowed to run its course. It conveys a lot about a character's thought process and behavioural patrerns which are the culmination of a lifetime not just a few pages. Psychological trauma is a broad concept with many facets and manifestations, etc.
While the end of a story is a time dedicated to drawing conclusions, facing consequences and taking decisions, turning over a new leaf and tying loose ends. Or in case of mystery thriller works a big plot twist or untimely revealations. Ultimately, it means closure for the reader, the characters as well as the author. So putting it there feels out of place and messy.
P.S. I'm not an expert or anything, just an avid reader
Ahhh, thanks. That makes a ton of sense.
It is PEAK till CHAPTER 60.
BUT, and you have been warned:
It is ASS, CHAPTER 61 onwards.
Now, my statement might sound dramatic but it is true. With this one it is all about take the good, leave the bad. The downgrade hits you like truck-kun and isn't worth the trouble. Trust.
This one started out as a masterpiece work, with competent characters from interesting backgrounds, who got to interact with each other in an equally lively plot setting with a slice of life vibe in the air. All of this, while touching topics of social stigma surrounding unconventional lines of work and addressing lgbt issues as well as mental health problems with a gentleness I have rarely seen elsewhere.
But somewhere along the way, and it all starts at chapter 61, I believe - this direction and passion the writing carried was lost to the so-called plot from which point on it was only driven by the villain(s) actions, while the main characters were left struggling in a desperate attempt to restore the peace and normalcy that was snatched away by said villains. And in trying to do so, the characters made bucketloads of poor decisions, of which a considerable number of choices were taken in bad faith. It wasn't long before this turned into a dumpster fire trainwreck, and lost its shine as well as what made it stand out. It's actually pretty sad to watch a work of this calibre get so brutally ruined. (Honestly, I'd rather wish this had gone on an indefinite hiatus so the author could give it a better ending a few years later than whatever this ended up being.)
Finally, as we reach the climax of the story I have this to say: as much as I love reading stories about trauma and how it can alter people's lives, I also think that trauma dumping (stuffed sloppily into just a few chapters towards the end) isn't good writing.
The final verdict of course lies with the individual reader themselves...so critique "The Man At Night" as you will.
As for me, the first 60 chaps were 10/10
But the rest of it afterwards falls to 7/10