Story Blueprint

What is your story about, create a brief summary of the story

Core Concept

• Premise: A concise, single-sentence summary of the story's central idea.
• Genre: (e.g., Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Romance, etc.)
• Theme: The underlying message or exploration of a universal idea (e.g., redemption, love vs. duty, the corrupting influence of power).

Protagonist (Main Character)

Beyond the Hero: Crafting a Protagonist That Resonates

We've all encountered those protagonists who leap off the page and stick with us long after the final chapter. But what makes them so compelling? It's more than just a charming smile or a heroic deed. A truly great protagonist is a complex, flawed, and utterly human character that readers can connect with on a deeper level. Let's delve into the essential elements that build such a character.

1. Backstory

The Weight of the Past

A protagonist without a past is like a tree without roots. A brief, yet impactful backstory provides context and depth. It explains why they are the way they are. Backstory are not info-dump, there are ways to explain some of your character's characteristics like their desire, flaws etc. A few well-placed details can paint a vivid picture of their formative experiences, and can be used to justify some of their actions.

Example

In the Harry Potter Books, Harry Potter's parent was killed by the primary Antagonist, Voldemort, and even tried to kill Harry but instead imbued Harry Potter with some of his own magic

2. External Goal

The Tangible Objective

The external goal is the concrete, achievable objective that drives the protagonist's actions within the story's plot. It's the mission, the quest, the tangible thing they strive for. This goal provides the narrative's forward momentum, giving the protagonist something to actively pursue.

Example

In Lord of the Rings, destroy the One ring

3. Core Desire/Need

The Heart's True Yearning

What does your protagonist truly desire? This is their core need, the yearning that drives their actions on a subconscious level. It might be love, acceptance, redemption, or a sense of belonging. This deeper desire can fuel or impede their pursuit of the external goal, adding emotional weight to their journey. It is important to attach the goal to the desire, and see how the contrast or synergise with each other.

Even in most fantastical or Sci-fi story ever, it's important to make their desire understandable.

Example

Frodo for example, was not special, but his desire which is practically nothing (he already has what he wants) makes him the perfect candidate to deliver the Ring (achieve the goal) to mount Doom.

4. Motivation

The Fuel of Action

Why is achieving the external goal so important? Motivation provides the "why" behind the protagonist's actions. It's the reason they're willing to face danger, make sacrifices, and push through adversity. Strong motivation makes the protagonist's journey feel meaningful and purposeful.

Example Impeding doom from Sauron and his minions

5. Internal Conflict/Flaw

The Cracks in the Armor

This is arguably the important part of your protagonist. The thing is perfect protagonists are boring, it's their flaws and internal conflicts that makes them relatable. Perfect protagonists are boring. It's their flaws and internal conflicts that make them relatable. A protagonist might be haunted by past mistakes, struggle with self-doubt, or possess a stubborn streak that hinders their progress. These internal struggles add depth and complexity, making them feel more human.

Examples

Take a bald man in a romantic movie who is insecure about their baldness. This may prevent them from asking out the girl of their dream until he overcomes his insecurity, or maybe, he founds out that they girl is specifically into bald guys.

6. External Obstacles

The Obstacles That Define

The protagonist's journey should be fraught with challenges. External obstacles test their resolve and force them to grow. These obstacles can be anything from a formidable antagonist to a treacherous environment. The thing is that for most story (especially one with happy endings), the hero will overcome their obstacles, and it's usually expected, but it is important to note the following

• Make the obstacles big enough, if the obstacles is so small that it's obvious that the character will conquer it, then it doesn't make sense to call it an obstacle
• Make obstacles meaningful: it should contribute to hero's growth or address some facets of the characters (flaws, desires, motivation or goals). An obstacle of solving maths in a musical comedy would only make sense if the maths is used to create a perfect music, otherwise, why?
• The solution should be meaningful: It should fit into the story, and whatever way it is solved, should fit into the narrative, usually due to the hero's characteristics

Examples

A rival who constantly undermines them, a natural disaster that threatens their survival, a societal prejudice they must overcome.

7. Moral Dilemmas/Choices

The Crucible of Choice

Significant moral choices reveal the protagonist's true character. These dilemmas force them to confront their values and make difficult decisions that have lasting consequences. A perfect dilemma is when whatever choice made has equal weights e.g. choose which one of your newly delivered twin brother dies.

Examples

Betraying a trusted ally for a greater good, sacrificing personal happiness for the sake of others, choosing between revenge and forgiveness.

8. Character Arc

The Journey of Transformation

A compelling protagonist undergoes a significant change throughout the story, this is their character arc. While watching character growth (or decline) is important, sometimes a static character can be intriguing as well, especially if the premise of the story are central conflict is if the character will change, perhaps your character is an unyielding hero faced with hardship that threatens their "goodness".

Type

• Transformation: A profound change in their core beliefs or values.
• Growth: A gradual development of their character, becoming a better version of themselves.
• Fall: A descent into darkness or corruption.
• Static: Remaining essentially unchanged, often used to highlight the changes in the world around them.

Summary: A brief description of how the protagonist changes (or doesn't) throughout the story, and perhaps why. This summary encapsulates their journey and its impact.

Ultimately, a good protagonist is a product of all these elements working in harmony. By understanding their backstory, core desires, motivations, flaws, and the challenges they face, you can craft a character that feels real, relatable, and unforgettable. Remember, it's the imperfections, the struggles, and the choices they make that truly define them. Give your protagonist a soul, and they'll breathe life into your story.

Conflict & Stakes

• Primary Conflict: The central struggle that drives the narrative.
  • Type: (Person vs. Self, Person vs. Person, Person vs. Society, Person vs. Nature, Person vs. Fate)
• Stakes: What the protagonist and others stand to gain or lose.
  • Personal Stakes:
  • Global/External Stakes (if applicable):

Key Supporting Characters

Antagonist (Primary Opponent)

• Name:
• Desire/Need: What they want.
• Goal: What they actively pursue to fulfill that desire.
• Motivation: Why they are driven to their goal.
• Relationship to Protagonist: How they directly oppose the protagonist.

Opponents (Secondary Obstacles)

• Character Name/Group:
• Role:
• How They Hinder the Protagonist:

Allies (Supporters)

• Character Name/Group:
• Role:
• How They Aid the Protagonist:

Mentor/Guide (if applicable)

• Character Name:
• Role:
• How They Influence the Protagonist:

Trickster/Catalyst (if applicable)

• Character Name:
• Role:
• How They disrupt the status quo and influence the Protagonist:

Worldbuilding (If applicable)

• Setting: Time and place.
• Key World Elements: Unique aspects that impact the story (e.g., magic system, societal structure).

Plot Points

• Inciting Incident: The event that sets the story in motion.
• Rising Action: A sequence of events that escalate the conflict.
• Climax: The peak of the conflict, where the protagonist faces their greatest challenge.
• Falling Action: The aftermath of the climax, leading to resolution.
• Resolution/Denouement: The conclusion of the story, where loose ends are tied up.