Writing Excuses 20.08: Character Stakes and Fears
Feb 23, 2025
Dive into the dynamics of character development as fears and stakes intertwine to create tension in storytelling. Explore how low-stakes situations can trigger profound emotional connections, pushing characters to grow. Discover techniques to map character relationships against their fears, fostering a feedback loop that enhances the narrative. The discussion also highlights the significance of personal experiences and emotional motivations, illustrating how fears drive decisions and ultimately shape compelling heroes and villains.
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Focus on Loss
- Think about stakes as what a character stands to lose, not just what they might gain.
- Losing something tangible or intangible creates stronger motivation than abstract goals.
Small Stakes, Big Impact
- Stakes don't have to be life-or-death; smaller, personal stakes can be more compelling.
- Disappointing someone you care about can be a stronger motivator than physical danger.
Time War Stakes
- In "This is How You Lose the Time War," the initial stake is small: satisfying curiosity.
- This evolves into the character caring about another's opinion, creating tension.