Lack of Information in a Story

[igloo15]

I am wondering what people's opinions are of a story that lacks alot of information from the start. For instance not having a clear understanding what is going on with the main character or where he is, etc.

I am writing a fantasy story in which the main character is transported to a world after a brush with death. He has no idea where he is or what is going on. I then introduce characters without much explanation beyond what the main character can see. Slowly through out my book the details of what is going on and how the main character is not dead are revealed.

Yet I feel that some might be put off having so much mystery at the very beginning of the book. What are people's opinions on this?

[lin robinson]

Done right could work very well. I've seen it done very effectively in films. Hitchcock, for instance. Charade, for one.
Also The Third Day with George Peppard did a good job of an amnesiac blundering around people making inexplicable remarks as he tried to figure out what's happening.

[vintagefury]

Mystery requires that you leave just enough out to keep the reader intrigued, but put out just enough information to keep the reader from feeling utterly lost. Part-and-parcel with this is keeping your character sympathetic - if the reader cares about what happens to the character, they will be willing to embark on this journey with the character to unravel the mystery.

[igloo15]

Its hard for me to decide the fact that the character does not understand his situation or where he is, is a big part of the plot of the story yet I also feel that the lack of information will alienate some from wanting to read.

I almost wish I could say hang on it will be really good when its all revealed. I am just starting writing too so I don't have alot of confidence in what I am writing quite yet so this is a big sticking point for me.

[vintagefury]

Originally Posted by igloo15

I almost wish I could say hang on it will be really good when its all revealed.

Make a good character and write in a compelling manner. You'd be surprised how much readers can forgive if you give them this much.