Writing a novel part 3-Characters, Plots and Protagonists
July 23, 2008 by: BookwormPut the names of your characters on a piece of paper, one paper each. If you can use some 5×7 index cards. Begin planning the ”life story” of your characters. Who are they? How old are they? What are their likes and dislikes?
As they come to you, write them down on their respective papers. Just remember that every character needs to have a reason for being in the story.
Develop the stories plots and characters together. One important rule in creating a novel is to never separate your characters from the plot. They must do something that contributes to the plot and brings the story to its climax.
The characters have to be believable so that people reading your novel can feel that they could exist for real. Two important things about your characters that will draw them to the reader are their actions and purpose in life.
The protagonist of the story must be strong, because this is your stories major character. You will want your readers to care about the protagonist.
Todays Assignments
- Develop your characters, and cut out characters who do not belong in your story.
- Begin developing your plot along with your characters
- Develop your protagonist.
Hi Emma.
I saw your comment on the bookworm carnival. I thought I’d drop by and say hello. Drop by for a visit if you get the chance.
Bluestockings last blog post..Sci-Fi Friday: The Host
A very helpful post for first time writers. You have a very nice blog going on here. I would like to point out that minor characters don’t have to stay minor forever. If the protagonist realizes their potential as an ally, then the minor character can rise up to become a major character themselves. While this may not work in every kind of plot, this method may help out if you are writing a series.
Felix Noirs last blog post..Chapter 20 (Samson’s Perspective)
Didnt think of that, thank you Felix
Of course, this series is intended for one shot novels, I will also be writing a novel series, and serials tutorial sometime later.
I am a terrible writer and I think that is what draws people to my books. It is what I mean to say and not what I say that counts.
As for typo, character flaws and date juggles, I have four good readers, two editors both English majors working toward PhDs and a rewriter. Now, why should I worry about being a terrible writer, I got help. You can see a few of my recent books at the attached website.
Good luck with this site, we need more people interested in things that can help.
Dr Paradises last blog post..The first book to be released
It’s a very good advice for starters like me… I’ve recently wrote a story and
posted it on my blog… But I’m kind of lost because my previous theme is a little unsuitable for the story…
I hope that someone will go and look at the story and comment as well as give some suggestion for choosing my theme…
http://wwwsilverice.blogspot.com/