Using a classic author's characters for a new novel

[Infomaniac]

I should be interested is hearing opinions on writers who write prequels or sequels to other (dead) author's novels.

[sandyRoe]

thttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wide_Sargasso_S
ea


I think this one is highly regarded, but if someone is capable of writing a novel they should be able to invent the characters too.

[sandyRoe]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wide_Sargasso_Sea

[juliefer]

I've read a few apparently highly regarded ones but always been disappointed. And I agree with sandyRoe's comment.

[AB Editor]

There an interesting *ahem* subculture of this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slash_fiction

It's quite common practice, Private Eye reviewed an author who wrote sequels to Pride and Prejudice in the previous issue. If I locate it I'll pass on the authors name.

It's not a problem, but it's fan-baiting stuff mostly.

[AB Editor]

Ah, maybe Jean Rhys is who I am thinking of?

[paddywak]

George McDonald Fraser wrote a series of novels based on the charecter Flashman from Tom Browns Schooldays. Not so much sequals but how a relatively minor character devoloped. Like Forest Gump he becomes involved in many of the famous political and military events of his age and despite his cowardice he always seems to emerge covered in glory.

[Infomaniac]

I've read a few: The Wild Sargasso Sea (prequel to Jane Eyre), and Scarlett - a truly appalling sequel to Gone With the Wind amongst others. I've always felt that these writers are relying on the reputation of the classic to sell their own works. The question arose because I've heard that a sequel to Pride & Prejudice is to be published, historically accurate, and written in the style of Jane Austen. I am curious as to why the writer has written a sequel using characters from the classic, rather than writing a stand-alone novel with new characters, set in the same time period.

[DTCwordfan]

Style your own ideally - the use of other's characters is often used and I have had one of mine borrowed by an author - almost akin to borrowing an AB character and adding to it - could be an amusing thread to develop for a Sunday pm....

[MarkRae]

Charlie Higson's novels about the young James Bond seem to be quite popular. Not my cup of tea, though...

[sandyRoe]

DTcrosswordfan, you're not suggesting that someone, Naomi say for an example, pretends to believe,takes on the persona of a devout nun, and lambasts atheists and agnostics?
I'd nearly pay good money to see that.

[China Doll]

I'm vaguely interested in the pride and prejudice one because I have already decided I hate the very idea of it but since I'm generally quite a balanced person I think it's probably more healthy to read it and then decide if my hate actually has any grounds.

At the moment I find the idea quite distasteful and basically think it's lazy and a cop out but perhaps it will be good and I will have to choke on my own cynacism for a bit :c) (It's probably very hard to actually immitate a writer of Austen's credentials and do it well).

[swedeheart]

This may interest you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fredrik_Colting

[wolf63]

I have been known to read fiction based on TV characters

http://www.fanfiction.net/

Some of the stories are well written and interesting to read - others are just awful.

[T&S]

Didn't PD James just write a crime novel using Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Benett?

[NOX]

I see no problem with it, it's been done and done again sometimes with great results, soemtimes it's a horror show. Other people's characters soemtimes insire you, no shame in that, do what you want with 'em.

[NOX]

Gah typos... sorry:(