Did you already know about that Alec character before you started the novel, or is Alec a new character in the series?
As long as Alec and Tristys are not the exact same character, I wouldn't get too freaked out about it. Are their personalities similar? Their backgrounds? Their strengths and weaknesses (other than being shy about nudity)? If they have enough differences in those aspects, it shouldn't be a big deal.
The fantasy genre is loaded with archetypical characters. The same character will inevitably find its way into hundreds of stories. As long as other aspects of the story are different, such as the plot and style, I don't think anyone will accuse you of plagiarism.
I often notice minor criss-crossing in my story, but I usually leave it as is. Complete originality is impossible, and if a plot point or character is necessary for making my story the best it can be, then I won't discard it.
I have run into similar cases where I've had an idea, and then discovered that the idea had already been done, in something that I read later on. Then I get worried for the same reason--in this case, I know my story wasn't influenced by the published story, but I'm afraid that I might be accused of plagiarism anyway.
Comments 2
As long as Alec and Tristys are not the exact same character, I wouldn't get too freaked out about it. Are their personalities similar? Their backgrounds? Their strengths and weaknesses (other than being shy about nudity)? If they have enough differences in those aspects, it shouldn't be a big deal.
The fantasy genre is loaded with archetypical characters. The same character will inevitably find its way into hundreds of stories. As long as other aspects of the story are different, such as the plot and style, I don't think anyone will accuse you of plagiarism.
I often notice minor criss-crossing in my story, but I usually leave it as is. Complete originality is impossible, and if a plot point or character is necessary for making my story the best it can be, then I won't discard it.
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment