How many characters is too many?

[Whanmore]

Name all the Characters in HP and the Philosopher's Stone. If your 11 year old brain was expected to keep up with all those, it shouldn't really be a problem

 

[pink_silk_glove]

Chekhov's Porn Rule. If a character doesn't get naked, that character shouldn't be in the story. : P

 

[MillieDynamite]

I read a horror story with at least 15 major characters in the story. It was written in such a way, you followed them all on this strange journey.

 

[YmaOHyd]

I'd introduce the characters I need for the first scene in the first scene and leave everyone else to the side for a minute or two, even if my ultimate roster is 30 or more. I'm also keeping them pretty segregated -- these are the two protagonists. These are the characters who appear in scenes at work. This other group is the characters who are friends. The two groups won't mix. Friends will not be in work scenes, coworkers will not be at the party. So hopefully I can help the audience keep them straight by contextualizing them in this way.

 

[pink_silk_glove]

I'd introduce the characters I need for the first scene in the first scene and leave everyone else to the side for a minute or two, even if my ultimate roster is 30 or more. I'm also keeping them pretty segregated -- these are the two protagonists. These are the characters who appear in scenes at work. This other group is the characters who are friends. The two groups won't mix. Friends will not be in work scenes, coworkers will not be at the party. So hopefully I can help the audience keep them straight by contextualizing them in this way.

I don't have any rules like that. My characters show up whenever the plot requires them.

 

[YmaOHyd]

I don't have any rules like that. My characters show up whenever the plot requires them.

Sure. If the plot wants a character in a different setting interacting with other characters, great. But if I need a new character at work -- my series right now deals with people who are essentially seasonal workers -- I'll probably invent a new character for the work pod rather than reusing someone who my protagonists know socially. Unless, of course, there's a reason to do so.

 

[ShelbyDawn57]