We often visualize our novels as an upward journey for our protagonist. During the course of the story, our hero overcomes internal and external challenges, learns more and more, and finally reaches their goal atop the mountain.
But in reality, stories aren’t that simple. In a post on Writers Helping Writers, Marissa Graff suggests we consider a zigzag path. “Think of the old adage: one step forward, two steps back,” she says. An up-and-down path also makes the character change more believable. If your hero always wins, their path seems too easy, despite whatever obstacles you throw on it.
“Allowing the character to struggle and be tested not only draws the reader in, it’s simply more interesting for the character’s journey,” Graff writes. “It keeps us guessing and creates balance.”
So how can you do that? Graff has a few suggestions.
- Create a rhythm for wins and losses. If your hero overcomes a challenge that would have seemed impossible a few chapters ago, give them an even bigger one that shows they aren’t ready for the next change. Of course, if your hero loses too often, the reader won’t believe they actually had the wherewithal to win at the end.
- Craft wins with precision. Give your hero small victories to spur small changes. “That will create a sense that change is hard and growth takes time,” Graff says. “But as their confidence increases and experience shapes them, their steps toward change can become bigger and the wins can yield greater reward.”
- Craft defeats with precision. Similarly, you want to give your protagonist proportionate defeats. Start with small obstacles and work up. Make each setback more painful. Consider what your character cares about and put the most important items on the line at the end.
