How to establish your protagonist

Every story starts with a heartbeat. That core pulse drives a narrative, connects the readers, and breathes life into the tale. And that heartbeat? It's your protagonist. This article will guide you on creating a well-established protagonist that readers will not just root for but remember long after they've closed the book.

The internal objects of desire – the silent symphony

If you want your character to leap off the page and into the hearts of your readers, they need a silent symphony playing in their soul. This is their internal object of desire – the hidden force that motivates and guides their actions.

But what does this look like? It could be anything from a desire for validation, a thirst for revenge, or a longing for freedom. Drawing from our list of 101 ideas for internal objects of desire, your protagonist might yearn for justice, seek redemption, or simply crave adventure.

When sculpting your protagonist, choosing one or a few of these internal objects of desire will give depth to your character. These desires become the undercurrent that nudges the narrative forward, driving your character's decisions and reactions.

The external objects of desire – the visible voyage

While the internal object of desire hums quietly in the background, the external object of desire screams from the rooftops. It's the visible goal that your character is chasing, the tangible desire that fuels their actions.

External objects of desire could be anything from the Holy Grail to winning the heart of a love interest or defeating a menacing villain. From our list of 101 ideas for external objects of desire, your protagonist's external desire could be to solve a murder mystery, save a kingdom, or win the annual village jam-making competition.

As you mold your protagonist, choosing an external object of desire will give your readers a clear understanding of your character's immediate goals. These visible desires drive the plot and keep your readers turning the pages.

Character development – from seed to sequoia

Now that we've established the desires that fuel your protagonist, it's time to discuss the magic of character development. How does a seedling of an idea become a towering sequoia of a character?

The key here is to weave together a character's backstory, personality traits, flaws, and strengths. Your protagonist should be a living, breathing entity with their own dreams, fears, and quirks. Their desires, both internal and external, should guide their development, subtly shaping and shifting their character over the course of the story.

Remember, a protagonist doesn't have to morph into a completely different character by the end of the story. The most compelling transformations often happen quietly, like a caterpillar evolving into a butterfly.

Establishing the protagonist in the story – the grand entrance

We've now sculpted a protagonist brimming with desire and ripe for development. But how do we introduce this creation to the world, to our readers?

First impressions matter. Think of the opening scenes in a film, the way a character strides into a room, the first words they utter. Your protagonist's introduction should offer a glimpse of their motivations and desires, giving readers a taste of the journey to come.

Effective character introductions could involve a demonstration of a character's unique skill, a touching moment that reveals their heart, or a dramatic event that throws them into action. Remember, you're introducing not just a character but the heartbeat of your story.

When the curtain falls – the art of saying goodbye

So there you have it – the craft of piecing together a protagonist. It's a journey that requires patience, creativity, and a keen understanding of human desires. By spending time establishing a well-defined protagonist, you'll create a heartbeat that drives your story forward, pulsating with life and resonating with your readers.

Remember, as the creator, you can breathe life into your characters, to make readers laugh with them, cry with them, and root for them. So take up your tools, ignite your imagination, and start crafting – your protagonist is waiting.

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