🔑The protagonist needs a clear objective from the beginning of the story to engage readers.
💡Establish the stakes surrounding the protagonist's objective to make it more compelling.
🚧Create obstacles that get in the way of the protagonist's goal to add tension and conflict to the plot.
📝Obstacles do not have to be physical; they can also be internal conflicts or other characters.
🔑Ensure that each objective has at least one obstacle to drive the story forward.
Why is a clear objective important for the protagonist?
—A clear objective helps readers connect with the protagonist and provides direction to the plot.
What are the stakes and why are they important?
—Stakes refer to what the protagonist has to gain or lose from achieving their objective. They create tension and drive the narrative.
Can obstacles be non-physical?
—Yes, obstacles can be internal conflicts or other characters that hinder the protagonist's progress.
How many obstacles should be in a story?
—There is no specific number, but every objective should have at least one obstacle to create narrative tension.
How can I improve my plot?
—Ensure that your protagonist's objective is clear, the stakes are compelling, and the obstacles are realistic and relevant to the story.
00:00Many writers struggle with plotting, which is how to move characters from point A to point B and beyond.
02:35The first essential element of plotting is to identify the protagonist's objective, which gives direction to the story.
04:52The second element is establishing the stakes, showing what the protagonist has to gain or lose from achieving their objective.
06:02The third element is creating obstacles that get in the way of the protagonist's goal, adding tension and conflict to the plot.
08:08A plot exercise is provided to help writers practice incorporating these elements into their stories.
