HOW TO CREATE A PROTAGONIST (Part 2)

Within the pages of fiction, no one knows the characters better than the writer. 

Designing a protagonist worthy of the title ‘lead character’ isn’t always easy.  

As writers, we’re likely to spend too much time, if there is such a thing, pondering the multitude of ‘what if’ scenarios and potential dialogue before considering whether our protagonist’s quest will be successful or not.

But first, we must design a character with a unique appearance (what makes them stand out from others), underlying thoughts (self-doubts), and determination to be more than an ‘interesting’ bystander in the story. 

To keep this in perspective, let’s remember that what the protagonist wants, more than anything in their world, may sound pretty simple: 

                                    They want something or someone they don’t have. Period.

The difficulty arises when the antagonist steps in, creating more obstacles than Demi Moore’s character struggles with in G.I. Jane. But more about our antagonist later. 

Piecing together a protagonist is where you, the writer, usher in many questions with equal possibilities trailing closely behind. This process helps us develop a protagonist with soul, strength, and a bit of vulnerability. And that doesn’t always happen with the first sketch.

So before adding the finishing touches, ask your protagonist as many questions as possible, be patient, and wait for their answers before beginning to write.  

If you’re coming up short on questions, consider some of these:

• Does the protagonist, your hero/heroine, want love, acceptance, or a more fulfilling relationship with someone? Who and why?
• Maybe they are seeking forgiveness for ill-spoken words or an act of betrayal they committed long ago?
• Do they want to travel, breathe fresh air in the Alps, finish college, or have a child?
• Do they want to relinquish their adopted role of peacemaker between co-workers, best friends, or neighbors?
• Or do they want to forget a moment that causes deep sadness and heartache? Does a holiday or specific date shake them to their core? Plunge deep enough to uncover their naked truth.
• Or maybe a teenager wants to travel back in time and live their young life again, making different choices or living the same life all over?
• Perhaps they want nothing more than to regain their health, see a godchild graduate from med school, or make the best croissant in town, bar none.

Once you’ve answered every last question that comes to mind, you’ll find the introduction of your vibrant, three-dimensional living character easier than first thought. 

Are you feeling stuck creating the skinny on one of your characters? You'll want to grab my Character Sketch here. Would you add other characteristics? I’d love to hear them, so send me an email.