The Novelry on Writing

How to Add Drama and Raise the Stakes in Your Story

Mar 18, 2025
Guest
Josie Humber
Guest
Kate Riordan
Join Kate Riordan, a bestselling author known for her gripping historical novels, and Josie Humber, a seasoned publishing editor, as they dive into the art of tension in storytelling. They explore five game-changing tips for raising stakes, such as trapping characters in moral dilemmas and introducing complex antagonists. Discover how emotional stakes can resonate deeply with readers and the power of an unlikely hero. Plus, learn the urgency a ticking time bomb adds to a narrative. It's a masterclass in keeping readers on the edge of their seats!
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ADVICE

Prevent The Easy Exit

  • Make sure your protagonist cannot simply walk away from the central problem and escape consequences.
  • Use financial pressure, moral duty, or physical confinement to force them to stay and act.
ADVICE

Use Physical Or Moral Traps

  • Physically trapping characters is an effective, simple way to raise stakes and tension.
  • Alternatively, give them a moral obligation (e.g., protecting a sibling) that explains why they must stay.
ADVICE

Introduce A Compelling Antagonist

  • Introduce an antagonist to create clear opposition, whether external or internal.
  • Let antagonists evolve to deepen the protagonist's entanglement and create a point of no return.
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