Episode 99 - Traps when writing character-driven stories.
Feb 9, 2024
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Traps to avoid when writing character-driven stories. Kurt Vonnegut's technique of making a character want something right away. How Joyce Carol Oates works. The enduring appeal of Anne of Green Gables.
Character-driven stories should balance action and tension with character exploration.
Establishing the protagonist's immediate desires can drive the plot and engage readers in a character-driven story.
Deep dives
Character-driven vs. plot-driven stories
Character-driven stories prioritize character development and internal growth over plot. They engage readers in the personal journey of the protagonists and emphasize their inner thoughts, emotions, and relationships. Examples of character-driven books include 'The Bell Jar', 'Little Fires Everywhere', and 'The Goldfinch'.
Avoiding traps in character-driven novels
When writing a character-driven novel, it is important to avoid excessive navel-gazing and interior monologue, as this can hinder the plot and engagement. Balancing action and tension with the exploration of a character's psyche is crucial. Writers should also be cautious of introducing too much backstory early on, as readers generally prefer to see what will happen in the present rather than dwell on past events.
Effective techniques for character-driven storytelling
To create a compelling character-driven story, it is recommended to establish the protagonist's immediate desires early on. These desires can drive the plot and engage readers. Additionally, implementing Ernest Hemingway's tips, such as starting with one true sentence, stopping while knowing what comes next, and using a pencil for revisions, can enhance the writing process. Creating relatable characters who evoke emotion and conveying the power of fiction also contribute to the impact of a character-driven novel.
Character-driven stories--which delve deeply into the hero's change and growth--can be moving and unforgettable for readers but there are traps that we can fall into when writing them. Here they are, and how to avoid them. Also, Kurt Vonnegut's technique of making a character want something right away. And how Joyce Carol Oates works. Also, the enduring appeal of Anne of Green Gables.