How do these deaths figure into the larger plot of the story? what greater meaning might they signify?

Deaths add emotional value to a story. Deaths can be important to a storyline because it effects many things. It effects the other character's emotions, and it's one less character to fulfill things and help with problems.

Also, once a reader has started to feel things from a story, it's harder for them to put the book down. It makes the reader feel a deeper connection to the characters and plot. It adds interest.

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