A complete guide to character driven stories
Character-driven stories primarily focus on the protagonist's internal world – their emotions, thoughts, dreams, and fears. The plot is fuelled by the character's internal journey, their choices, their transformation, and the struggles that facilitate it. These tales, driven by internal forces of antagonism, offer a profound exploration of the human condition.
These stories can be encapsulated in a coming-of-age novel where a character navigates the tumultuous journey from adolescence to adulthood, a love story exploring the intricacies of romantic relationships, a redemption tale of a flawed character seeking forgiveness, or a family saga revealing the complex dynamics within a household.
Choosing the right story
When it comes to choosing the type of story you want to tell, it's crucial to follow your personal excitement and imagination. The story you choose should resonate with you and ignite your passion for storytelling. Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint, and you need a story that excites you enough to see it through.
If you're naturally drawn to internal forces of antagonism and character-driven narratives, chances are you relish the rich exploration of a character's inner world and the transformation they undergo.
Crafting compelling characters
The soul of character-driven stories lies in crafting well-rounded, believable characters. Your protagonist should be relatable and interesting, with a mix of strengths and flaws that make them human. They should have distinct desires, fears, and obstacles that compel them to change.
Remember, character development is paramount in these stories. Your character should evolve throughout the story, shaped by their experiences and the decisions they make.
Building a character-driven plot
In character-driven stories, the plot is the character's internal journey. The conflict arises from the character's inner struggles – their fears, desires, or flaws. Their decisions in response to these conflicts drive the plot forward.
The pacing of these stories might be slower as the narrative takes time to delve deep into the character's psyche. The climax typically revolves around a pivotal moment of change or self-realisation for the character.
The art of character-driven storytelling
Character-driven stories offer a rewarding journey, both for the writer and the reader. They delve into the labyrinth of human emotions and experiences, providing a mirror for readers to reflect on their own lives. So, if you're excited about exploring a character's internal world and their transformative journey, character-driven stories might be your calling.
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References
- Coyne, Shawn. 2015. The Story Grid. New York, NY: Black Irish Entertainment.
