By: Faith Jang
In stories, emotions are the most important part of the tales. It is what gets the readers to relate
to the characters, and it is what makes us laugh or cry when we know things are just pieces of
fantasy. That is why I adore such things. The love between two different people that ends in a
happily ever after or tragedy. We watch things for entertainment when some of these things
make us cry or angry or even scared, but why do we do it? I may not know the real reason for it,
but I think it is to reinforce the idea that we are human. After all, most of us want the best
outcome for the heroes of stories, but at the same time, such a beautiful ending feels hollow.
That is why when I write stories, I enjoy weaving ideas of tragedy and loss. One cannot just get
a happy ending without working for it because that is just how it is in real life. The idea that even
though things are hard, everything will get better in the end is just wonderful. It gives hope in the
world of despair, and it allows us to relate to the character we are observing. A well-written
character will have us smile when they laugh with glee and cry when they hit the pits of despair.
So, I leave you with this. What makes you happy when consuming media? Is it a story that
creates a land of sorrow and tragedy? Or is it a creation of a world that builds happiness and
dance? Perhaps it is both or neither, but to me, the marvel comes from the emotions born from
the passion that ran from hand to pen.
