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Make them struggle

Never make your character’s goals come easily.

David Gane
David Gane

Although your characters have goals, don't let them happen quickly to your characters.

There isn't much story if a character wants something and immediately proceeds to get it.

However, if you show them struggle with that challenge—even in the slightest—it becomes more interesting.

If you're a writer adverse to conflict, struggle, or tension, there is a good chance that one of these things already lies under the surface of your story.

We all struggle in our paths through life. Although some things come easy, not all of them will.

Struggle defines us. It breaks us, but it also makes us whole.

So once you know what your character wants, ask yourself what stands in the way—and then start writing to bring those opposing forces in a collision course with each other.

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David Gane

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Co-writer of the Shepherd and Wolfe young adult mysteries, the internationally award-winning series, and teacher of storytelling and screenwriting.

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