What role does the victim in crime fiction usually play?

Morality plays a guiding role. It helps to define who the good and bad characters are. For example, in many crime novels, the criminal's immoral actions set the plot in motion, and the morally upright detective is there to set things right.

A literary agent in crime fiction plays a crucial role. They are the ones who help crime fiction authors get their works published. They know the market trends in crime fiction, and can guide the author on how to make their story more appealing to publishers and readers. For example, they might suggest ways to create more suspense or develop more complex characters.

Well, forensic science is crucial in crime fiction. It gives the story a scientific backbone. In many crime fictions, forensic techniques like fingerprint analysis, ballistics, and forensic pathology are used. These elements not only make the mystery more complex but also show the intelligence and skills of the investigators. It's like a toolbox for the fictional detectives to dig out the truth from the clues.

They can be sources of information. Despite their drunkenness, they might have overheard something important that could be a key to solving the crime.

The media can play a positive role by raising awareness. It can bring the issue to the public's attention, which might encourage more victims to come forward. However, it has to be careful not to sensationalize the stories. Sensationalizing can harm the victim further and may also create a wrong perception of the case.

The victim is often portrayed as vulnerable. They might be in the wrong place at the wrong time or have a weakness that is exploited by the criminal.

The victim in crime fiction can be created by first deciding their role in the overall plot. If it's a mystery about a serial killer, the victims might share certain characteristics like appearance or occupation. Their creation also involves their relationships. Maybe the victim had a feud with someone or was in a love triangle. This makes their death more believable and engaging for the readers.

He often plays the role of a hero. For instance, he might be the one to defeat the evil witch and restore peace to the land.

Often, the first person in the story is the narrator. They tell the story from their own perspective.

One common method is to make the victim a morally ambiguous character. This way, readers may not fully sympathize with them, adding complexity. For example, a victim who has cheated others in business.