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Is it too distracting to include a major mystery subplot(s) in a fantasy story? I mean a complete subplot or subplots that the character solves. Perhaps the examples below do not qualify as mystery...
#3: Attribution notice added
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/43358 License name: CC BY-SA 3.0 License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#2: Initial revision
Is it too distracting to include a major mystery subplot(s) in a fantasy story? I mean a complete subplot or subplots that the character solves. Perhaps the examples below do not qualify as mystery subplots. I realized that, among many other methods, George R. R. Martin utilized mystery subplots effectively in his books to help hook the readers. I do not know if these would be labeled traditional "mystery" subplots though or simply plot twists or subplots with an element of mystery. Examples of Game of Thrones mysteries (spoilers): > - The mystery of who pushes Bran Stark. > - The mystery of the murder of the King's Hand. > - The mystery of who poisoned the King. > - The mystery in the show of who is holding Theon Greyjoy hostage. > - There is the supernatural mystery element of the White Walkers and Children as well as the abilities of Bran Stark. The characters and their arcs are generally thought to be the hook for Game of Thrones but we see where mystery reaches some readers another way. Thoughts?