#112: 5 Questions Your Reader Shouldn't Have To Ask
Oct 17, 2023
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Learn about the 5 questions that readers shouldn't have to ask in a story, including the importance of clarifying the characters, setting, and point of a scene, as well as the significance of providing context, clarity, and goals in character interactions. Discover how to engage readers by eliminating their questions and ensuring their understanding of the character's story goal and motivations.
Readers should immediately know the point of view character in every scene, allowing them to engage and connect with the story.
Readers should always have a clear understanding of the location and time of a scene to avoid confusion and maintain coherence.
Deep dives
The importance of clarifying the point of view character and their identity
In every scene, readers should immediately know who the point of view character is. While it is not necessary to provide a detailed physical description or complete backstory, readers should be able to engage with the character and understand their significance in the story. This can be achieved by offering hints about their appearance and providing relevant aspects of their background. By clearly establishing the point of view character, readers can more easily connect with and invest in the story.
Providing clarity on the time and location of each scene
Readers should always have a clear understanding of where and when a scene is taking place. Whether the scene follows directly after the previous one or involves a change in location and time, this information should be provided to readers as early as possible. By establishing the context, readers can stay immersed in the story and avoid confusion. Additionally, if your story incorporates a ticking clock element or relies on specific dates and times, it is crucial to communicate this information effectively to maintain a sense of urgency and coherence.
Clearly identifying the characters and interactions in a scene
When other characters are present in a scene, it is important to name them and provide context. Relying heavily on pronouns may lead to confusion and prevent readers from fully engaging with the story. Unless the characters are strangers to the protagonist, it is necessary to fill readers in on the relationship dynamics and activities taking place in the scene. By doing so, readers can understand the significance of each character's presence and their interactions, enhancing their connection to the story.
You need to get readers asking questions to hook them into your story, but you don’t want them asking the wrong questions or being so confused that they stop reading altogether. In this episode, I share 5 questions your readers should never have to ask—here's a preview of what's included:
[01:58] Who is this person? [03:35] Where is the scene taking place? [04:50] Who else is in the scene? [06:15] What's the point of this? [07:55] Why should I care? [10:25] Final thoughts and episode recap