The 7 Points of Write: An Essential Guide to Mastering the Art of Storytelling, Developing Strong Characters, and Setting Memorable Scenes by Daniel Middleton

Author:Daniel Middleton [Middleton, Daniel]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Language Arts & Disciplines, Composition & Creative Writing, Bisac Code 1: LAN005590, Bisac Code 1: LAN005540, Bisac Code 1: PER019000
ISBN: 9781935702108
Google: rBIoWGbfboAC
Amazon: 1935702106
Barnesnoble: 1935702106
Goodreads: 15904400
Publisher: 711 Press
Published: 2012-07-01T04:00:00+00:00

THE PROTAGONIST’S THREE ESSENTIALS

There are three essential things you must explore throughout your story concerning your protagonist, and all three must encompass your entire narrative. They are as follows:

What is your main character’s goal (what are they after)?

What story elements will you use to prevent them from getting it?

How will they get around those story elements to achieve said goal?

The first question isn’t necessarily one that the main character has to know the answer to at the outset of your story, nor is it one the reader has to know. But it is highly important that you, the writer, know up front. For instance, a story might start out with a main character who is so wrapped up in his daily routine, perhaps as a farmer, that he has no idea what wild adventures await him. Then a visitor stops by, a stranger by all accounts, but during the conversation this stranger seems to know more about our protagonist than meets the eye. Then we learn from this visitor that danger approaches, and before long our farmer must head out on a quest to find something or someone at all cost, since the fate of the world might hinge on this very thing or person. Of course, the first thing that prevents our supposed hero from venturing out might be himself. Reluctance might be our first answer to question 2. But once our hero does decide to embark on a quest you can hurl all sorts of obstacles at him, and you can raise the stakes with each one, until the final nail-biting one that might mean the end of our hero or the end of life on earth as we know it.

Once he figures out a way past this final obstacle, our story can come to an end. Some solutions may require the life of our hero, and some might lead us into a sequel, wherein we would rinse and repeat all three questions in a new adventure.

If you are a student of storytelling, you’ll recognize these three questions in practically every play, movie, TV show, or book you’ve experienced, from The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife to Showtime’s Dexter. I urge that you study these questions carefully, look for them in your daily reading or viewing experience, and apply them in your storytelling.

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