On The Scene-Stealing Properties Of The Uncommon Draconequus · 10:31pm Jun 25th, 2013
One of the basic principles of marketing is 'When you find something people like, give them more of it.' Which sometimes results in a backlash as consumers discover that twenty ounces of that new drink per day is good for your health and sixty means your health is never going to be an issue again, but hey, as long as the corporation made more in profit than it's paying out in damages, that's America!
One of the patterns which has emerged in the commentary on Triptych is that in the opinion of some of those readers who are willing to speak, I have some vague idea of how to handle Discord.
In this case, B is not going to go into A.
I've thought about adding him to the cast icons: I do have one open slot left which he could fill. But I initially wanted his presence in the story to be a small surprise, along with the role he assumed through the to-date part of it. (I felt free to make this blog post because Commentary section: in that sense, the presence spoiler is out for anyone who scrolls down a bit and not that many people will look at this blog entry who haven't glimpsed that story page.) It's something I might still do when the story is complete. But... now? Is that the right thing to do? In one view, he's arguably a constant presence at the current point in the story in that his shadow might lurk over the landscape of the Mane Cast's potential decisions and actions. But ultimately, would I be adding him to the icons roster just to lure in Discord fans? Probably. He could still go in when/if all is finished, though... I suspect he'd insist. Loudly.
I'm not going to expand his direct future role in the story, should any such thing even exist. Additional, inorganic scenes have not been created just to get him some more screen time, no matter how badly he might want it. At the same time, if there happen to be any theoretical bits already planned where he would show up again (and yes, I am not committing in text: no spoilers from me), the hypothetical plan hasn't taken them out either.
He wants to walk off with everything, does Discord. Put him in a scene and fight to make sure someone else gets a word in edgewise. He doesn't share very well. He loves the spotlight and materializes his own. He doesn't always chew the scenery so much as give off the impression that the set is only staying up because he hasn't had the impulse to strike it -- yet.
To use a character (or create one) is to give them a voice. Ever have one try to take over the conversation? How did you stop them?
Vague idea of how to handle Discord? As long as he stays where he is, maybe...
...but then, I did say I often felt like I was watching events from a short distance, didn't I?
Estee. We love you.
Write it like you want, as long as Discord is Discord.
I usually handle Discord by either keeping him incorporeal or making sure his mother is in the same scene. Mind you, in my primary continuity, Discord's mother is Pinkie Pie (because time shenanigans), so that's admittedly not a complete solution.