The writing styles of Eastern and Western cultures differ widely as a result of their distinct history and cultural influences. Although many people would assume the difference between writers and their stories would hinge on the commonly discussed aspects, such as plot, pacing, and others, an ordinary reader could easily detect distinct characteristics in Eastern and Western media. The differences between Eastern and Western literature are so pronounced that they have created distinct groupings with their characteristics. For instance, superhero comics typically represent the West, while anime characterizes the East. Nonetheless, despite these significant variations, many similar tropes such as the Five-Man Band (Justice League and Bleach) are frequently utilized.
Core ideas:
Indeed, the utilization of the group concept is neither new nor infrequent, but the distinguishing element is how Eastern and Western writers apply these tropes. Take the Justice League as an example: the plot typically centers on the climax of the story, with events leading up to it serving as building blocks to portray the intensity of the enemy, the extent of the danger, and the heroes' eventual victory.
While writers in Eastern stories place importance on characterization and development, a stark contrast can be observed in Western stories. For instance, writers in the East heavily focus on establishing connections between the characters and the audience throughout the story. In addition, character webs are frequently formed, showing the evolution of relationships between various characters. Enemies may become allies, while best friends may turn into foes.
Characterization:
While the transition from nemesis to allies has been utilized in both Eastern and Western media, as seen in the character development of Deckard Shaw in Fast and Furious, the distinction lies in molds that both cultures force their characters into. A relevant case study is Death Note, a popular literature known for its exciting concept, captivating characterization, and clever writing. With its immense popularity, Death Note was adapted into a Netflix live-action version, although some changes to the storyline were made, which imparted an American feel to it. When comparing the Netflix adaptation with its Japanese counterpart, one can easily notice the differences in structure and smart character portrayal. The principal character, Light Yagami, in the original storyline, is described as highly intelligent with a class-topper designation. He portrays himself as God, enacting justice by killing criminals. On the other hand, Light Turner from the Netflix version is depicted as the awkward nerd, the familiar mold into which American smart characters are forced.
Plotlines:
From the early days of writing, one of the primary pieces of guidance given is to incorporate structure, with Western storytelling structures always including a climax. The climax is the emotionally intense conclusion to the narrative, comprising decisions and challenges that define the main characters and their values. In Western media, particularly action movies, the presence of climaxes is unavoidable. A fascinating contrast emerges as both cultures offer intriguing plots. Western stories often pose problems, followed by the direct actions of the main characters. For instance, in action-packed tales, the focus is on the main characters' attempts to stop time bombs, prevent planetary annihilation, or stop the spread of viruses. In addressing these matters, Western tales create gripping build-ups that captivate the audience.
In contrast to Western structure, where a climax is often essential, Eastern stories, in particular, those that follow the Kishokentetsu structure, show no need for a climax. Ki, the introduction, reveals settings and characters, while Sho, the development, portrays character interactions. Next, Ken, the twist, depicts a sudden turn of events, such as in Junji Ito's horror stories and Akutagawa's short stories like Hell Screen and Rashomon. The story concludes with the outcome, Tetsu. These tales feature minimal conflict and avoid the presence of an emotional climax. Consider this: a man is having dinner happily with his family.(introduction) After the meal, his wife asks him to resupply the dish soap. The man agrees and heads to the nearby supermarket. (development) When he gets back, he realizes his house has been broken into. His wife is shot. His two sons are kidnapped. (twist) The man, unable to bear the thought of living without his family, overdoses himself with sleeping pills. (result) Throughout the story, there are hardly any conflicts and no climaxes. Yet, this type of story works because there is a stake at play. In fact, we often see this structure at the beginning of Western stories to set up for the main story. Take Up!, for example, the beginning also introduces us to how Carl and Ellie met each other, to the development into marriage, and then to Ellie’s death and the result afterward.
It is not necessary to strictly adhere to either a Western or Eastern structure in writing. The critical factor lies in understanding your target audience's demographics and tailoring your storytelling approach accordingly. Understanding your audience's thinking pattern can aid in choosing a suitable writing style; for instance, if your audience is primarily North American, you may prefer a Western approach. However, if you wish to challenge your audience's norms, you may want to delve into the Eastern style. For me, it feels more natural to write in an Eastern style, as it allows me the time to formulate my thoughts before actually writing.
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