Also, the adaptation of the plot for the screen can be tricky. Some plots in the novel may be very complex or internal, like a character's inner thoughts. It's hard to show these in a visual and engaging way in a drama. So, the scriptwriters need to be creative in adapting the plot while still maintaining the essence of the novel.
One challenge is staying true to the original novel. Fans of the novel often have high expectations. If the drama changes too much, it may disappoint them.
Another great example is 'Eternal Love'. Adapted from the novel 'Three Lives Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms'. It tells a love story across different lifetimes. The drama's elaborate costumes, special effects, and the chemistry between the actors made it a big hit. It not only captured the essence of the novel but also added more visual and emotional elements to the story.
One characteristic is faithfulness to the original. They usually try to keep the main plot and important characters as in the novels. For example, in 'A Dream of Red Mansions' drama, the complex family structure and the emotional entanglements of the characters are well - presented as in the novel. Another is the cultural inheritance. These dramas can show traditional Chinese values, such as loyalty in 'Water Margin' and wisdom in 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms'.
One challenge is length. Chinese novels can be very long and detailed, and it's hard to fit everything into a drama. For example, 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' has numerous storylines and characters. Another challenge is staying true to the original work while making it appealing to a modern audience. The language in some ancient Chinese novels may be difficult to translate directly into modern - day drama dialogue.
One way is through careful selection of the novel. The story should have a strong plot, interesting characters and wide - ranging themes. For example, 'A Dream of Red Mansions' was adapted into a drama with great success. Producers also need to consider how to condense the long - form narrative of the novel into a manageable drama format, often by focusing on the most important story arcs and character relationships.
They often attract audiences through the pre - existing fan base of the novels. Fans of the novels are eager to see their favorite stories come to life on the screen. For example, when a well - loved novel like 'A Record of Mortal's Cultivation to Immortality' is adapted into a drama, the existing fans will be the first to check it out.
There is also 'A Dream of Splendor'. Adapted from a novel, it shows the life of a woman in the Song Dynasty. The drama does a great job in depicting the historical background, and the relationship between the characters is very engaging.
Challenges in adapting Chinese light novels to dramas include maintaining the essence of the story. For example, the unique charm of the characters and the relationships between them in the novel need to be preserved. There may be differences in the pacing between the two mediums. In a light novel, the author can take time to develop a story at their own pace, but in a drama, the pacing has to be adjusted to keep the audience engaged. Additionally, the translation of certain cultural concepts and idioms from the Chinese context to a more universal one for the drama is also a tough task.
One challenge is the cultural differences. Chinese web novels often contain cultural references that are difficult to translate accurately. Another issue is the competition. There are many people interested in this type of translation work, so you need to stand out. Also, the payment may not be very high in the beginning. Some clients may try to underpay you, especially if you are a new translator.
Yes. 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' is a great example. The drama adapted from the novel shows the power struggles, heroic figures and historical events during the Three Kingdoms period. It's full of strategies, battles and deep character portrayals. Also, 'Water Margin' as a drama is exciting, with its portrayal of 108 heroes and their stories of resistance against the corrupt regime.
Malay dramas adapted from novels tend to have a detailed and well - structured plot, just like the novels they are based on. The settings are also carefully recreated to match the descriptions in the novels. Moreover, the dialogues in these dramas might borrow some of the memorable lines from the novels, which helps in bringing out the authenticity of the story. For example, in a historical - themed novel - based drama, the period - appropriate language and mannerisms are maintained.