The Mysterious Genius Syndrome

By Sockcat. 05/09/09, 03:53 pm

Don't know about all you others out there, but I've noticed that there is something called "The fictional character genius syndrome". (I made that up, it's not real, don't go a-googling). Has anyone else noticed that there are characters in various facets of fiction that are just geniuses for the sake of it, and that's their main point? (e.g., Artemis Fowl)

Not saying that this is a bad thing (heck, I'm a sucker for a story with a genius as the protagonist) but it does seem to crop up as a feature with ever-increasing regularity in fanon and canon works.

Any thoughts?

By Thornback. 06/09/09, 10:04 am

I often feel that "genius" characters are there simply so the author can write really cool expositional "justasplanned" speeches.

By Sockcat. 06/09/09, 01:58 pm

This is true. And they are often like Hermione; just put in so they can explain things about the universe.

By Kat. 06/09/09, 02:11 pm

better that their awesome cause their genius not that thier the destined to do so and/or are awesome just cause their the main character (twilight/harry potter)

By Kitty of Doom. 04/11/09, 02:39 am

I love the evil geniuses who technically should be antagonists but are protagonists like Artemis Fowl

By Lumissne. 06/11/09, 10:32 am

I love geniuses in books...

Especially the selfish ones like Kyoya Ootori from Ouran High School Host Club Very Happy

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