Can a Non-Genius Write a Convincing Genius Character?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of whether a writer who is not exceptionally intelligent can convincingly create a genius character in fiction. Participants explore various aspects of character creation, including the portrayal of genius in literature and media, the relationship between an author's intelligence and their ability to depict genius, and the use of pseudoscience in character development.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that a merely bright person can convincingly write a genius character, as the act of writing does not necessarily require the author to embody the traits of the character.
  • Others contend that while an author can create a genius character, the portrayal must be convincing to the readers, which may require a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
  • A participant suggests that historical geniuses have believed in ideas that are now considered pseudoscience, indicating that a character's belief in such ideas does not automatically negate their genius.
  • Concerns are raised about the portrayal of genius in modern media, with examples cited where the depiction of a genius character fails due to logical inconsistencies or reliance on flawed premises.
  • Some participants emphasize that while an author can describe a character's genius, they must also provide convincing evidence of that genius through the character's actions and reasoning.
  • There is a discussion about the differences in portraying genius in written works versus visual media, noting that written descriptions allow for greater flexibility in imagination.
  • Examples of fictional geniuses from literature and film are mentioned, including Sherlock Holmes, Victor Frankenstein, and Tony Stark, highlighting various approaches to depicting genius.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with no clear consensus on whether a merely bright author can effectively create a genius character. Some agree that it is possible, while others raise concerns about the challenges involved in achieving a convincing portrayal.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the effectiveness of portraying genius may depend on the context of the story, the expectations of the audience, and the depth of knowledge the author possesses about the subject matter.

Who May Find This Useful

Writers, literary critics, and enthusiasts of character development in fiction may find this discussion relevant as it explores the complexities of creating believable genius characters.

  • #31
Usain Bolt in the picture looks like he is playing checkers with the chess pieces.
 
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  • #32
mpresic3 said:
Usain Bolt in the picture looks like he is playing checkers with the chess pieces.

Wow, you totally called it.
 
  • #33
Office_Shredder said:
Wow, you totally called it.
And it is still a nonsensical position. White is making its second move before black has moved once.
 
  • #34
That is OK. I think unlike chess, the dark pieces move first in checkers?
 
  • #35
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  • #36
cybernetichero said:
.So can a merely bright person (convincingly) write a genius character?

Are you talking about convincing readers who are non-geniuses?
 
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  • #37
Genius is really a label that’s meaningful only in retrospect. I think there are acts or contributions of genius, as people not so much. There are many very smart people who never contribute anything of note.