We’ve all heard that the best stories are character driven, not plot driven. What does that mean? And how as a writer do I accomplish it?
In a plot driven story, the character seems to be whisked along by events beyond their control, and they just happen to be there experiencing what’s happening. Although this type of story can be fun, it typically isn’t very memorable.
A character driven story is one where the protagonist is choosing to cause the events of the plot. The choices they make lead to what’s happening. When the MC chooses to chase after the dragon on his dirt bike, that leads to the confrontation in the quarry. The events happen because of the choices made.
The thing about choices is that they have to come from somewhere. Why does the main character choose the way they do? Why – when he knew the danger – did he jump on his dirt bike? This brings us to motive.
Motive is an element of character. It’s what drives them to make the choices they do. And when they make choices, the events of the plot unfold.
Motive needs to be the driving force of your plot. When your middle grade reader understands why your character chooses to act the way they do, they will be able to relate and connect.
Writing a character driven story means you are writing a story where the plot is governed by your protagonist’s motive.
Then the story is memorable.
Turning your plotting upside down
Sometimes as we think of ideas for a story, we think of events. We picture fun or adventurous things happening that our protagonist can be a part of.
This kind of plotting needs to be turned upside down.
The events of the story – the fun and adventurous things happening that your protagonist can be a part of – should be happening because your main character made them happen. Their choices make things happen.
When motive drives your plot, your reader will connect to your character.
Here’s an instructional video where I talk through how motive drives plot, and give some examples in middle grade fiction. Click here to access the video How Motive Drives Plot.
Giving readers what they want
Character motive should be the driving force in all your plotting and planning and execution of story. Without motive driving the plot, the plot drives itself.
That’s not what kids are looking for.
Where will your protagonist lead the plot events? How can you know when to connect your character’s motive to events? Use this downloadable PDF Connecting Motive and Plot to help you analyze your story and strengthen your plot-motive links.
This is how a character driven story is made. What your protagonist chooses dictates what happens next. And what your character chooses is guided by what they think they need.
The layers of motive that lead your character along as the story progresses are what make the story happen the way it does. Motive – as an element of character – keeps the story moving and keeps the protagonist acting in relatable, connectable ways.
This is how readers connect.