In a post on Writers Write, Anthony Ehlers offers a 12-point checklist that can help you make sure your story has a strong goal.
“How do you know you have the right story goal?” he asks. “Does it seem both realistic and exciting? Is it a goal that others can relate to?” The questions include:
- What is the goal and who is driving it?
- What is the character’s motivation for pursuing the goal?
- Is the goal believable and worthwhile?
- Is it big enough for the length of your story? Is it hard to achieve?
- Will the reader understand it?
- Is there a lot at stake?
