Raven Love

Nature + Fiddler

Here are some signs that you might need to work a little more on your protagonist! Go through the checklist and make sure you can answer all of these with as much certainty as possible!

Are you unsure about the strength of your protagonist? Here are some signs that you may need to work on them more.

Do you know their development?

You should know exactly what misbelief, flaw or conflict you want your character to resolve, overcome or become aware of by the end of the story.

Do you know why their personality is the way you set it up?

This is to do with your character’s backstory! You should know exactly why they are the way they are when we meet them, and where their flaws, virtues and influences come from.

Do you know why this is the most important story of their life?

We write books not for everyday occurrences, but for those pivotal moments in our characters’ lives where everything changes for them. You should know why this story is their pivotal moment. How is it going to change the course of their life?

Do you know what goal they are chasing and why it matters to them?

An inciting incident of a story should prompt an external goal for your character to chase, but do you know why they’re chasing it? This goal should be so irresistible that there is no other way forward for them.

Do you know what their personal stake in the story is?

You should be able to say with certainty that your character couldn’t go on unless they proceeded on the path of this story, and you should know why that is. What is at stake for them? What do they lose if this doesn’t go the way they planned?

PS. Saving the world is great and all, but the more personal you get with their stake, the more your readers will care for them. So who’s the one person they want to save the world for?

Did you know I have a whole workbook with customisable templates that takes you through crafting strong character every time?

You can pick it up on its own or as part of my Writer's Toolboox!

deep reflections