Character Yes, Plot not so Much!
Bruce Cook
Publisher - Reservebooks.com, VP/Founder Worldwide Peace Organization (WWPO. org)
What really matters in your fiction story? Character. Not plot.
When you start the story, it's usually about location and conflict.
When you write, it's about character. It's a tough question. When you remember books and set aside memories of the title and author name, what's left? Character.
Think of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol". Remember those characters? Or Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea"? Maybe Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame,"?
What stands out in these tales? Author name? Plot? Location? No, character stands out
Better to illustrate this point, try the May 2021 mystery-thriller "The Plot" by Jean Hanff Korelitz.(Recommended to me by my great writer grandson, Conor Cook.).
In this book, an author (the main character) becomes afraid because he "stole" a blockbuster plot from a now-deceased student in one of his writer seminars. Threatened with exposure by one of the student's relatives, he hides his growing horror from his wife. She later turns out to be one of the characters. (Please read for the superb surprise!)
This book is a stunning example of character's importance in our stories. Further, as the protagonist struggles with his fear, we learn how important character development is when a novel is considered for publication. We quickly realize that plot doesn't make a successful story. Nor is plot protected by copyright.
When you create your next character, make it count. Go beyond physical descriptions and physical surroundings. Be sure your reader remembers your characters when the book is closed. Not the plot.
Bruce L. Cook
Mailchimp Link: https://mailchi.mp/75909801fdd5/character-yes-plot-not-so-much?e=04989b44cf
Author-me.com Link: https://author-me.com/newsletters/NewsOctober2023.html
Story consultant and former producer helping screenwriters and producers to develop resonant scripts. Book a Story Consult now. Screenwriter.
1yHi Bruce, you make a very good point about what do we often most remember about a story. Its characters. But I would ask/add: How do we know these characters so well? By the choices and actions they make in the plot. For me, character and plot are indivisible. In a good story. Scott
novelist
1yYou are right about the importance of creating an impressive Character, making him or her resonate beyond the last page. But Plot is important. An impressive character heading a lackluster plot makes for a forgettable novel. Not a good balance. The two – Character and Plot – need each other to create your most memorable work.
author and retired engineer
1yGood point. Great examples. I too loved JHK's The Plot and the superb ending.
Freelance Writer & Editor/Published Author/ Founder of Creative Elegance/Blogger/Passionate Pianist, and Singer/Trained in Indian Classical Dance/Online Course Instructor.
1yAny fiction or written gesture should hold the character's mark in the reader's mind. Thank you for share Bruce Cook
CEO
1yThat is an eye opener; a wonderful tutorial to aspiring story tellers!!