Spencer Lanoue
Creating a compelling protagonist can sometimes feel like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. But don't worry. You're not alone if this task has you scratching your head. In this guide, I'll walk you through the elements that make your main character not only relatable but unforgettable.
Start with a Strong Foundation: Character Backstory
Diving into your protagonist's past is like peeling an onion. It might make you cry, but the layers reveal the core essence of who they are. A well-crafted backstory explains your protagonist's motivations and flaws, making them more relatable to your readers.
Why does backstory matter? Without understanding where your character comes from, it's difficult to predict where they're heading. A backstory provides the context needed to justify their actions, fears, and desires. Think of it as the soil from which your character grows.
Here's a quick example:
John always avoids confrontations. Why? As a child, he witnessed his parents' volatile arguments and vowed never to become like them. This part of his backstory makes his aversion to conflict believable.
When crafting a backstory, ask yourself:
- What key experiences shaped their worldview?
- Who influenced them the most during their formative years?
- What are some pivotal moments that left a lasting impression?
Remember, you don’t have to reveal all this to your readers immediately. Sprinkle in these details to gradually build a rich, multi-dimensional character.
Give Them a Goal: What Do They Want?
Your protagonist needs a clear goal. Otherwise, they're just wandering through the story, and both they and your readers will get bored. This goal is what will drive the plot forward and keep your audience engaged.
Think about your favorite stories. In The Lord of the Rings, Frodo's goal is to destroy the One Ring. In Harry Potter, Harry's goal is to defeat Voldemort. Each of these characters has a clear objective that defines their journey.
Ask yourself:
- What does your protagonist want more than anything?
- Why is achieving this goal important to them?
- What obstacles stand in their way?
For instance, let's say your protagonist, Sarah, wants to win a national cooking contest. Her goal isn't just about the prize; it's about proving to herself and her family that she can succeed on her own terms.
Make Them Relatable: Flaws and All
No one likes a perfect protagonist. Flaws make your character human, relatable, and engaging. They also provide an excellent opportunity for growth throughout your story.
Consider the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, is brilliant but arrogant. His journey involves overcoming his ego to become a true hero. This complexity makes him a character audiences love to follow.
When thinking about your protagonist's flaws:
- Consider what makes them vulnerable or insecure.
- Think about how these flaws could hinder their progress.
- Plan how your protagonist will confront and possibly overcome these flaws.
Maybe your character, like Tony Stark, has a flaw that doubles as a strength. Alex, your protagonist, could be incredibly loyal, sometimes to a fault, making him blind to the betrayals of those close to him.
Develop Their Voice: How Do They Speak?
Your protagonist's voice is their unique way of speaking, thinking, and interacting with the world. It's a reflection of their personality and can set them apart from other characters.
Voice can be revealed through dialogue, internal monologue, or narrative style. For example, Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye has a distinct voice full of cynicism and youthful rebellion, which makes him memorable.
Here are some ways to develop your protagonist's voice:
- What vocabulary do they use? Is it formal or casual?
- Do they have any catchphrases or unique expressions?
- How do they react emotionally in different situations?
Try this exercise: Write a short monologue from your protagonist's perspective about a mundane task, like making breakfast. This will help you capture their voice.
"I slapped together a basic breakfast—nothing fancy, just toast and some scrambled eggs. The eggs were a bit runny, but who cares? It wasn't like I was serving the Queen."
Put Them Through Their Paces: The Character Arc
Readers love to see characters grow and change. This transformation is called the character arc and is central to your protagonist’s journey.
Consider the transformation of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. She starts with a strong prejudice against Mr. Darcy but gradually learns the truth about him and herself, leading to personal growth and a happy ending.
To shape your protagonist's arc, consider:
- How does your character start and where do they end up?
- What lessons do they learn along the way?
- What events or experiences trigger their change?
Imagine your protagonist, Jake, starts off as a selfish businessman. By the end of the story, he learns the value of community and selflessness, driven by the setbacks and relationships he encounters.
Introduce Conflict: What Stands in Their Way?
Conflict is the engine of your story. It keeps your readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how your protagonist will overcome the hurdles in their path.
There are various types of conflict you can introduce:
- External Conflict: This involves outside forces, like antagonists or natural disasters. In Harry Potter, the external conflict is Harry’s battle against Voldemort.
- Internal Conflict: This involves the protagonist’s inner struggles, like fear or doubt. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout deals with her internal conflict of understanding moral complexities.
Think about what kind of conflict suits your story. If your protagonist is a detective, the conflict might be the mystery they’re trying to solve. Or, if it's a coming-of-age story, the conflict could be internal, focusing on the protagonist’s identity crisis.
Create Supporting Characters: Friends, Foes, and Everyone In-Between
Your protagonist doesn't exist in a vacuum. They interact with a variety of supporting characters, each of whom plays a role in their journey.
Consider these roles:
- Allies: These characters support and assist your protagonist. Think of Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings, who helps Frodo on his quest.
- Antagonists: These characters oppose your protagonist. They can range from villains like Voldemort to rivals like Draco Malfoy.
- Mentors: These characters guide your protagonist. Dumbledore is a mentor figure for Harry Potter.
Supporting characters can also provide comic relief, create tension, or highlight your protagonist’s traits. When crafting these characters, consider how they fit into your protagonist’s journey.
Show, Don’t Tell: Bringing Your Protagonist to Life
The age-old writing advice, "show, don’t tell," is especially important when it comes to your protagonist. Instead of telling your readers that your character is brave, show them through actions.
For example, instead of writing, "Emily was brave," consider:
Emily stepped forward, heart pounding, as the dragon loomed overhead. She gripped her sword, willing herself not to look back at the terrified villagers.
This approach paints a vivid picture of Emily’s bravery, allowing readers to experience it firsthand.
When you show rather than tell, you engage your readers more deeply and allow them to draw their own conclusions about your protagonist.
Utilize Tools Like Spell to Enhance Your Writing
Creating a captivating protagonist involves weaving together various elements, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's where tools like Spell come in handy. Spell helps you draft, refine, and polish your writing, making it easier to focus on developing your characters instead of getting bogged down in the details.
With Spell, you can:
- Generate first drafts quickly, giving you more time to focus on character development.
- Edit and refine your character descriptions using natural language prompts.
- Collaborate with others in real time, getting feedback on your protagonist's journey.
This tool allows you to focus on what matters most. Bringing your protagonist to life in a way that resonates with your readers.
Final Thoughts
Crafting a memorable protagonist involves understanding their past, defining their goals, and setting them on a journey filled with growth and conflict. With tools like Spell, you can streamline this process, focusing on creativity rather than logistics. Remember, your protagonist is the heart of your story, so take the time to make them truly unforgettable.
