Hi I'm Elsie and my question is what are the views on strong/bad language being used in a storyline if it's to add reality to the story and it isn't used gratuitously?
Hi I'm Elsie and my question is what are the views on strong/bad language being used in a storyline if it's to add reality to the story and it isn't used gratuitously?
Hi Elsie,
Like Colin wrote, you answered your own question. I think you have to keep two things in mind:
Who are you writing for? children/YA/adults?
Other point, as you indicated, it can make a person more realistic.
A thief speaking "queens' English" in the slums of Harlem when he stumbles make him standing out. Same with a cursing member of the board of directors.
The age of the main person, location and situation might make the use of foul language realistic. But be careful, one easily over-do swearing, and you might offend the reader.
I think the you have answered your own question to some extent, Elsie. If it adds reality to the story, then it is justified. For some characters, I thinks it's really difficult for the reader to 'hear' them speaking without using swear words: arguable, more people use profanity in their everyday dialogue than don't. If it is essential to the story, then it need to be there, end of.