Turning Pages or Turning Heads?

By Prisha Nanda, B.A. Honours Economics

Edited and designed by Nandana

A thrilling murder mystery. An introspective coming-of-age story. Both weave stories, yet couldn’t be more different. Where one feels like a rollercoaster—fast, exhilarating, and full of unexpected twists, the other feels like a quiet conversation on a cosy evening—slow, heartfelt, and leaving you mulling over the meaning of life. Plot-driven books and character-driven books—both create their own kind of magic. But is one truly better than the other?

A great plot usually keeps readers turning pages, late into the night, even if they have to be up early in the morning. Who killed the victim? Who’s the secret mole leaking information? Will the beloved side character survive the final battle? The anticipation of these questions being answered keeps readers on their toes. Whether it’s a crime thriller by Dan Brown or a high-stakes fantasy by Brandon Sanderson, these books thrive on intricate plots, captivating readers through a whirlwind of suspense and curiosity.

But then, not every book needs raging battles or death by a fire-spewing monster. A strong plot may excite you, but a great character stays with you for much longer. After all, life isn’t a string of dramatic plot points or the training montage in a fantasy book. Life is about relationships, emotions and personal growth. That’s why books like Little Women and Normal People resonate so deeply. They focus on the lives of their characters—the raw, unfiltered emotion, making them feel real and relatable to readers, even if the story itself is simple. Their beauty lies in the depth of their characters, proving that a story doesn’t need to be exciting to be powerful.

In Pride and Prejudice, the plot may unfold through societal expectations and Elizabeth Bennet’s evolving perception of Mr Darcy. But what makes the book so beloved isn’t just the romance—it’s Elizabeth's sharp wit, Darcy’s pride, and their growth as a couple. While the plot is crucial and the character development is the cherry on top, the two come together to make a timeless classic.

Long after we finish a book, it’s not just the plot twists we remember or the characters we loved, it’s how the book made us feel. Some books are an escape, others a mirror. But in the end, there is no wrong answer—just different stories that speak to different readers (or the same reader in different moods). So, what about you? Do you reach for an Agatha Christie or a Salley Rooney? A ‘whodunit’ or ‘who am I’?