“Solid plots have one and only one dominant objective for the Lead character. This forms the “story question” — will the Lead realize her objective?” (James Scott Bell, Write Great Fiction – Plot & Structure)
Writing Exercise: Sharpening Focus Through Character Objectives
Key Writing Practice Development Techniques Illustrated by the Quotation
1. Defining a Clear Objective for the Lead Character: A strong story hinges on the clarity of the protagonist’s dominant goal. Writers should identify and prioritize this objective to focus their narrative.
2. Creating a Compelling “Story Question”: The story’s tension emerges from the protagonist’s pursuit of their goal and the obstacles they face. The question “Will the Lead achieve their objective?” must drive the narrative forward.
3. Maintaining Narrative Economy: By anchoring the story around one primary objective, writers avoid digressions, ensuring each scene directly contributes to resolving the story question.
Writing Prompt
Task: Write a 500-word scene in which a Lead character’s dominant objective is vividly clear, driving the action and tension. The scene should occur at a critical moment in the character’s pursuit of their goal, where success or failure is at stake.
• Set-Up: Your character is in a situation where the stakes are high, and they are at risk of losing something valuable (e.g., reputation, relationship, life). They must confront a single, pressing obstacle that tests their resolve.
• Rules: The Lead’s objective should be explicit through their thoughts, dialogue, and actions without resorting to heavy exposition. Subtle but clear stakes must emerge organically through the narrative.
Example Ideas:
• A scientist racing to save an experiment while a power outage threatens years of work.
• A person desperate to retrieve a memento from a burning building, risking their safety.
• A politician giving a final speech to sway a divided audience before a crucial vote.
Evaluation Criteria
1. Clarity of the Lead’s Objective:
• Strong Response: The protagonist’s goal is specific and easy to identify (e.g., “retrieve the letter before it is destroyed”). The stakes and urgency are palpable.
• Weak Response: The protagonist’s objective is vague or contradictory, making it unclear what they are pursuing or why it matters.
2. Tension and Story Question:
• Strong Response: The narrative revolves around the central question, with each moment heightening anticipation. The reader wonders, “Will they succeed?”
• Weak Response: The story meanders or includes unnecessary details, diluting the story question and diminishing tension.
3. Scene Economy and Focus:
• Strong Response: Every line of dialogue, thought, and action contributes to resolving the protagonist’s objective.
• Weak Response: Extraneous subplots or irrelevant descriptions derail the scene from its purpose.
Follow-Up Questions for Workshopping/Revision
1. Is the Lead’s objective clear and compelling? Could it be made more specific or emotionally resonant?
2. Does the scene sustain tension throughout? Where does it lag or lose focus?
3. Are there moments where the stakes could be heightened to increase reader investment?
4. How effectively do the protagonist’s actions reveal their character under pressure?
Recommended Reading
• Short Story: “A Temporary Matter” by Jhumpa Lahiri (from Interpreter of Maladies)
Why: The story features a clearly defined emotional objective—Shoba and Shukumar attempting to reconnect in the wake of tragedy—and its tension hinges on whether their shared goal will be realized.
• Novel Excerpt: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (Chapters involving the kite competition)
Why: The protagonist’s clear objective—winning the competition—drives the narrative, with high stakes and emotional depth, making every moment crucial to the story’s arc.
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