Ever found yourself reading a story where the main character seems more like a passive observer than a dynamic hero? It’s like watching a car race where the driver just sits there, never hitting the gas! In storytelling, just as in life, characters must be active participants in their journey, driving the plot forward with purpose and passion. This article delves into the art of creating unforgettable, character-driven narratives. By ensuring your protagonist remains in the driver’s seat, you’ll craft a tale that not only captivates readers but also ignites their empathy and investment in your hero’s transformation. Ready to take your storytelling skills to the next level? Buckle up and let’s dive in! LEARN MORE.
WRITEGEIST
Keeping Your Main Character in the Driver’s Seat is the Key to Crafting an Unforgettable Hero and Unputdownable Story
In video games, non-playable characters (NPCs) exist to populate the world — they have a fixed role, repeating the same dialogue or actions over and over. They don’t change, they don’t evolve, and they certainly don’t drive the action forward. But your main character should never be an NPC.
Character-Driven Stories are About Transformation
Take a moment to think about some of the best stories you’ve encountered. I’m willing to bet they all have one thing in common: transformation. Character-driven stories captivate us because they take place during a time of change. The world is one way at the beginning and different by the end, and the main character is right at the center of that shift. If your main character is just passively reacting to everything that happens around them, you’re not telling a compelling story. And they aren’t the main character. You’re just letting them be buffeted…
