All creative writers must strike that terrible balance between the needs of the characters and the needs of the plot. It’s a wretched ping-pong game sometimes, and we can feel as if one will win over the other. But deep down we know it shouldn’t be that way. The elements of character and plot are not in competition with each other. Each have their own needs and until we realize that fact, the struggle will go on. Let’s examine the secret to harmonizing character and plot–by writing a protagonist who’s both unique and universal.
Characters Are Individual
Few things are worse that two-dimensional characters. If there is nothing interesting about the people in your stories, it doesn’t matter how dynamite your plots are. If your people are boring, it is inevitable your writing will be as well.
Your characters are at their best when they are as unique as possible. They have physical quirks, as well as psychological. They have a particular vocabulary and speech pattern. Each and every character has a well-defined worldview and a personal motivation for their actions. Everything about them is as detailed and finely tuned as possible.
Stories Are Universal
In contrast to your “narrow” characters, stories need to be as broad as humanity. In particular, I have in mind theme. The theme is why we are writing our particular stories. Themes within a given tale can be about such things as sacrificing one’s self for a greater good, perseverance in the face or failure and defeat, or the short-term value of beauty or wealth.
Your characters should be as individual as snowflakes, but the themes of your stories need to be as absolute as the snowstorm.
There Is Only One Story
Allow me to let you in on a little secret that all creative writers should know: there is only one story.
That one story is about what it is like to live as a human in this world.
Just as all people are different, all people are just the same. We all have the same struggles and obstacles in life. we share the same joys and pleasures in this world. If your stories do not tap into these shared struggles and joys, readers will not find a connection to your work.
The best stories are those with interesting people doing interesting things. To write such a story, you need well-written characters and meaningful plots. You need characters and stories that are not in conflict with each other, but that complement each other. Each have their own needs. If your characters are as unique and particular as they can be, and if your stories are as real and human as they can be, you will end up with a compelling tale readers will cherish.
Tell me your opinion: How do you go about writing a protagonist to make him both relatable and interesting?
