I Will Be Next To The Main Character Spoiler, Possible blogpost: I Will Be Next to the Main Character Spoiler: How to Avoid Ruining the Plot for, General, i-will-be-next-to-the-main-character-spoiler, Timnesia
Possible blogpost:
I Will Be Next to the Main Character Spoiler: How to Avoid Ruining the Plot for Others
Have you ever read a book, watched a movie, or played a game that you wanted to discuss with someone, only to find out that they haven't finished it yet or are not interested in spoilers? Or have you unintentionally spoiled a major twist or death for someone who was still enjoying the story? If so, you may have experienced the dilemma of the "I will be next to the main character" spoiler.
This type of spoiler refers to a phrase or image that reveals that a particular character or element will be significant, memorable, or absent in the story. For example, if you say "I cried so much when X died" or "I was so surprised when Y turned out to be the villain", you may be hinting at a major plot point that could ruin the suspense or emotional impact for someone who has not reached that point yet. Similarly, if you share a fan art or a meme that features a character in a different context or outfit than they appear in the early part of the story, you may be giving away a clue to their development or fate.
So, how can you avoid being a next-to-the-main-character spoiler, or protect yourself from being spoiled by others? Here are some tips:
1. Use vague or neutral language: Instead of mentioning specific events or characters, try to express your feelings or impressions in a more general way. For example, instead of saying "I loved how X defeated Y with Z", you could say "The climax of the story was really satisfying". This way, you can still discuss your opinions without revealing too much.
2. Ask for permission: Before you start talking about a story, ask the listener if they have read/watched/played it or if they are okay with spoilers. If they say no, respect their wishes and avoid spoiling them. If they say yes, clarify how much they have experienced and what their expectations are. For example, they may have only read the first chapter of the book, or they may want to know the ending before they invest time in it.
3. Use spoiler tags or warnings: If you need to share a spoiler for a specific reason, such as warning people about a trigger or discussing a theory, use spoiler tags or warnings. These are usually brackets or asterisks that hide the text until the reader clicks on them or highlights them. For example, you could say "Spoiler alert: [X dies at the end of the book]" or "If you haven't watched episode 7 of the series, skip this paragraph: *insert spoiler*".
4. Respect the time and space of others: If you are in a public place or a social media group where people are discussing a story you haven't finished yet, be mindful of the spoilers and take precautions. You can mute or leave the group temporarily, or ask people politely to avoid spoilers or use tags. Similarly, if you are ahead of others, don't spoil the story for them intentionally or flaunt your knowledge. Remember that everyone experiences stories differently and at their own pace, and that spoilers can affect their enjoyment and engagement.
In summary, being a next-to-the-main-character spoiler is a common and avoidable problem in sharing stories with others. By using vague language, asking for permission, using spoiler tags or warnings, and respecting others' time and space, you can enjoy discussing stories without ruining the surprises for yourself or others. Happy reading, watching, and playing!