Someone last class (I don't remember who) mentioned that Tintin lacks any kind of backstory. Tintin in America jumps immediately into the plot, and plot drives the story instead of characterization from then on. Tintin is established as principled (turns down Bobby Smiles' offer, p.5), brave (calm and collected during the action sequences, and doesn't show any signs of lasting trauma), clever, and attached to Snowy. It's probably to be expected that the first installment of a comic, like a TV pilot, would be fairly light on characterization and seek to introduce setting and plot. However, Cigars of the Pharaoh doesn't develop any of these aspects, introduce character flaws to overcome, or delve into any backstory that the first installment skipped (and from what I've read so far, neither does The Blue Lotus).
Also brought up in discussion was the fact that Tintin has a very average "baby face." Looking like his intended audience would make it easier for children to identify with him and imagine themselves in his place going on adventures, solving crimes, and outwitting or outfighting villains. Tintin's generic looks and broad characterization already make him an everyman figure, but the lack of backstory makes it even more effective. Because the reader joins Tintin on his adventures and nothing more, there are no possible obstacles to projecting oneself fully onto the character.
I think you make some interesting points! I totally thought about Tintin's lack of background when I was halfway through Tintin in America. I thought that there was something I had missed. I haven't looked into it but perhaps like there are earlier shorter comics of Tintin not included in the first volume that give back story. Something that I didn't think about that you mentioned is that there is no mentioning of any character flaws that Tintin might have. Immaculate I think is too strong of a word, but he is above reproach for I guess no reason other than being the protagonist. In my opinion he is boring.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with both of you - Tintin is given little to no characterization or personality. His dialogue and thoughts are very basic, usually just stating facts or information outright with no special wording or inflection. He's never given a backstory, hopes, or dreams. He's just a (very) young reporter off to do good. I think any young child could easily invision themselves in his shoes. Even Snowy seems to serve more as a generic "man's best friend", there to help when needed but not generally adding anything to the plot or furthering character development.
ReplyDeleteI also think it's interesting that we are thrown into Tintin's crime solving adventures without any knowledge about how he became a reporter in the first place. But to me, this makes sense. The intended audience of this series is children. As I'm sure many would agree, children may not have the longest attention spans. They can get bored easily, if the topic is too dull, historical, or even realistic. Children like action, which I think may be why Herge decided to jump right into the action. Right from the first page, Tintin is trapped by an enemy. The intended audience needs no background as to why he is being targeted, or by who. All that matters is that Tintin has been caught and now has to escape.
ReplyDelete