Not sure where or how to start building your story?
The answer is One Question.
Start with Who.
Who is your character? A well-understood protagonist not only drives your plot but also
captures the hearts of your readers.
Why Focus on Character Development?
- Drives the Plot: Characters fuel the story. It’s their deepest desires that keep the plot
moving…so knowing that is key as you build your story. - Deepens the Reader Bond: When your audience understands a character’s motivations and
struggles, they are more likely to empathize and connect, making your story unforgettable. - Builds Conflict: By knowing your character’s deepest fears and lies, you can create the
exact obstacles that will create an emotional reaction (in them, and the reader!) - Guides Decisions and Growth: Understanding who your character is at the beginning of
your story helps you to realistically plot their growth and change throughout the narrative.
Starting with “Who”
The foundational question that should guide your character development process is: Who are
you? This question is the gateway to uncovering everything else about your character — their
desires, fears, wounds, and ultimately their journey.
Make It Happen: Use The Story Equation!
t all starts with defining who your character is at their core. We use a The Story Equation to get
at their core issues, and from there, we can discover their fears, lies, wounds, dreams and even
their values, flaws and competence. All building blocks to a great plot
If you don’t have The Story Equation, let’s fix that – check it out here! Then start with a
simple…Who is my character? Figuring out who he/she is as they walk on the page, and then
asking WHY will help you discover how they got that way. And, what motivates them to go
forward.
You can do this! Go! Write something brilliant!