Book adaptations take the best or the worst of the novel and transform it into working for the screen. Sometimes, movies or television showssucceed in crafting a solid story from the bookby staying faithful to the original content. Other times, the on-screen adaptations have faced backlash for not matching the original story, changing too many details, or not including enough essential storylines or characters. While it may be difficult to fit so many of the book’s details into the movie or extend the story enough to do a series, there have been times when an on-screen adaptation has surpassed the reader by choosing to go off-book to tell the story.
The Handmaid’s Talerelies on the novel for the first season, then extends the story beyond the original ending. June’s journey does not stop with the book’s final pages. Instead, the show imagines the world beyond the cliffhanger ending, allowing all the characters opportunities to grow in ways the novel never let them. While Effie did not have a significant role in “The Hunger Games” novels, especially in the face of the revolution, the movies extended her role, giving the character more depth than she previously had.
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10Creating an Entirely Different World
There is an enormous difference betweenThe 100television show and the novels. They may as well not be connected at all, as the only things they share in common are some of the central characters and sending delinquents to the ground. Otherwise, the stories and the characters are drastically different. Clarke and Bellamy’s long-drawn-out, complex relationship in the show quickly transforms into a romance in the books.
Octavia never becomes a warrior because the world of the grounders and re-created Earth society is not nearly as violent and intricate as the show designed it to be. By separating from the novel,The 100created a much more elaborate environment that discussed morals, ethics, politics, and what it means to survive.
9Expands the Story
HadThe Handmaid’s Talefollowed the novel, the series would have ended after season one. However, there was still so much story left to tell. Rather than let the book dictate the conclusion,The Handmaid’s Taleexpanded on the world of Gilead and the stories of oppression and revolution. June’s journey does not end with her on the way to her death.
Instead, the story imagines a world beyond that, with June leading revolutions and becoming a hero by getting children safely out of Gilead. Eventhe complex relationship between June and Serenawould not have become nearly as integral to the plot and heart of the series without having the show continue beyond the book’s stopping point.
8Makes Things Simpler
Sometimes the novels can get so complicated in detail that creating an on-screen adaptation means making things simpler for the audience. “The Vampire Diaries” originally included Angels, a much older set of Salvatore brothers,Klaus as the only Original, Elena and Katherine as sisters, and other dark dimensions exist.
Had the series never taken steps to go off-book, fan-favorite characters like the rest of the Mikaelson family and Kai Parker would have never been introduced. Sticking true to the novels meant never turning Caroline into a vampire, since the book’s counterpart had become a werewolf. Considering Caroline’s development came after her transition, it was a great decision to make such a drastic change.
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7Unexpected Plot Twists
Reading the books usually means being a step ahead when the on-screen adaptation arrives. This is because the reader already knows the characters, background, and plot twists that will come with the story. However, the on-screen adaptation occasionally does not want to be a replica of its novel counterpart. That was the case forPretty Little Liars, which, while itfollowed the central “A” mystery,took liberties in other ways, which allowed the series to shock even those familiar with the books.
6More Prominent Roles for Side Characters
The Hunger Gamesexpands on Effie Trinket, whereas the novels do not. Her involvement in the books is far less than how she becomes a constant presence in the movies, most notably inMockingjay: Part 1andMockingjay: Part 2. Effie becomes more critical by expanding her role and granting more depth than the books give her. While Effie is a Capitol announcer for the Reaping in the novels inMockingjay: Part 1andMockingjayPart 2,she is present in the revolution and helping Katniss work toward being the rebellion’s primary focus.
5Offering an Alternative Ending
In the novel, after Harry discovers he is a Horcrux and must die before Voldemort can be defeated, he tries to maneuver out of the castle undetected, only stopping to tell Neville to kill Nagini. The movie offers a more dynamic approach to Harry’s walk to his death. Rather than go alone, he runs into Hermione and Ron on the staircase and tells them the truth. Their conversation shows the trio’s loyalty to each other, especially when Hermione offers to go with him. While Harry still walks to Voldemort alone, allowing the trio a moment to recognize what may happen next is a devastating emotional punch that pays off from their years of friendship and hardships.
4Change of Perspective
Hulu’sRosalinegets creative withRomeo and Juliet. A character barely referenced in the play becomes front and center, with Romeo and Juliet’s romance occurring in the background. It was a unique way to portray the same story through another set of eyes. By doing so, it is not the same story people have seen adapted so many times and adds something new.Rosalinegoes even further at the end by calling out how Romeo and Juliet may have moved too fast in their instant attraction by not taking the time to talk to realize they may not have much in common.
3Developing New Motivations
In the Brothers Grimm’s original “Snow White,” the Evil Queen famously wishes to kill Snow White out of vanity. The Disney film’s adaptation follows similar reasons.Once Upon A Timetook a different approach, creating a new set of motivations for the Evil Queen’s revenge. In their iteration, Regina Mills had once been a happy young woman. Still, her life went tragically off course when her mother decided Regina was to become a Queen rather than marry the stable boy she had fallen for.
When Daniel died because young Snow White innocently revealed Regina’s plans to run away with Daniel to Regina’s mother, Cora killed Daniel, sealing Regina’s fate, and Regina hated Snow ever since.Once Upon A Timealso made similar alterations to most other classic stories to give the heroes and villains more significant motives and backgrounds.
2Changing Details Can Fit the Narrative
By announcing plans to focus on Colin’s love story instead of Benedict’s,Bridgertonoffers a massive off-book change from the novel’s original order. However, given the Netflix adaptation has been teasing the slow-burn relationship between Colin and Penelope since season one, it makes sense to give them the spotlight in season three. But that isnot allBridgertonchanged. Rather than make the audience wait for Lady Whistledown’s identity like in the novels, the season one finale shows the audience who is behind the gossip articles. In doing so, the viewers also get a more in-depth understanding of the drama and follow Penelope’s story in a more exciting way.
Little Fires Everywhereexpanded on the story. The novel never explicitly references obstacles between Izzy and Elena that appear in Hulu’s adaptation. Instead, it offers the characters a more substantial conflict that plays out better for the screen. While some disputes are stories that work well for books, they do not have the drama factor needed to captivate audiences through multiple television show episodes. Adding details or making changes gives the audience more to hold on to.
1Digging Deeper Into the Story
The creators ofGame of Throneswere forced to create their own story when they did not have a novel to continue basing its narrative on whenGeorge R.R. Martin had not published the next installment. Although that did not always work out in their favor, especially as the final season was constantly controversial, seeing another vision for the series could have been exciting.
Thirteen Reasons Whycould have concluded at the end of season one, finishing where the book had ended. Instead, the show continues, indicating that there are two sides to every story. Season two portrays the opposite perspectives to the tapes Hannah left behind, trying to add layers to those Hannah had considered bullies.
