Dull Protagonist? Here's How to Fix That
7 essential elements for crafting unforgettable main characters
Every storyteller asks the same question: how do I get my readers to relate to my protagonist so much that they'll stick with my story through dozens or hundreds of pages? After years of crafting bestselling novels, I’ve become keenly aware of several fundamental elements that will do just that. Whether you're struggling with your first novel or polishing your fifth, the following seven essential elements will help you craft leading characters who will hold the attention of your readers from one chapter to the next.
Character motivation, goals, and beliefs. Your protagonist must have a clear desire or need. It can be external (saving the world) or internal (finding love and self-worth), and there can be more than one. But it must be engaging enough to sustain reader interest throughout the length of the story.
Significant obstacles. Have your protagonist face substantial challenges throughout the story that test their resolve and force them to make difficult decisions and choices.
Major flaw or weakness. Protagonists should have meaningful imperfections that cause internal conflict and make them relatable to readers. To make your character even more complex, give them a trait that both helps and hinders them throughout the story.
Character arc and transformation. In the best stories, the main character changes in a meaningful way by the end of the story. This change can be positive or negative. The change (often referred to as growth) can involve overcoming a flaw or weakness, learning an important lesson, or developing a new perspective on life that makes them fundamentally different by the story's conclusion.
Distinctive voice and personality. Readers should easily be able to distinguish the main character from others and not just based on looks. He or she should have a way of speaking, thinking, or viewing the world that makes them distinctive. This may revolve around their sense of humor, values, fears, or how they interact with others.
Relationships and connections. Showing how your main character interacts with others can reveal crucial aspects of their personality. It also provides opportunities to show (rather than tell) the character’s inner feelings and thoughts. Interactions also provide a backdrop for conflict.
Intriguing backstory and history. While not all details need to appear on the page, understanding your protagonist's past experiences, relationships, and formative years can help create inner depth and clarify their current behavior and motivations.
These elements should all work together to help define a protagonist who feels authentic and complex. This will encourage readers to care about the obstacles and challenges the character faces throughout the story, as well as their ultimate fate.
To learn even more about these elements and how to put them into practice in YOUR stories, join our upcoming workshop, Crafting Unforgettable Characters. Starts July 16.
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