A discussion with a family member about character death.
I'm writing a Fantasy series where the protagonist's journey is defined by the people he’s lost and the stories told along the way.
I'm trying to avoid too many spoilers because reasons.
One of the major characters dies mid-series, and the next few books focus on the protagonist and his 'Long Walk' through grief; founding a Kingdom he doesn't want, finding comfort in a best friend he eventually has to leave, and finally following a 'calling' into uncharted lands to find his true destination.
A family member says I should keep this character in question alive to keep the 'original group' together. My counter-argument is that without the loss, there is no building, or development.
The protagonist's growth is literally powered by the memories of those who sacrificed themselves, so if this character doesn't die, the MC doesn't grow.
Does a tragic death make a story more meaningful to you, or does it make you want to stop reading because the original happy ending is gone?