“A hero is proactive and important and worthy of having an entire novel revolve around them. In the world of Save the Cat!, we write about memorable characters who do memorable stuff. But most of all, we create heroes (male and female!) who are destined to be the center of a plot.” (Jessica Brody, Save the Cat! Writes a Novel)
Creative Writing Exercise: Crafting Proactive and Memorable Heroes
Techniques Illustrated by the Quotation
1. Proactivity: A compelling protagonist doesn’t merely react to events—they drive the story forward through decisive actions.
2. Memorability: Heroes resonate when they are unique and vivid, leaving an indelible impression on the reader.
3. Plot-Centrality: A strong protagonist’s goals and decisions shape the narrative, making them indispensable to the story.
Writing Prompt (500 Words)
Write a scene where your protagonist takes a bold, proactive step to achieve a deeply personal goal. The stakes should be high, and the outcome uncertain. Ground their decision in a memorable character trait or flaw. To heighten tension, include:
• A clear external obstacle (e.g., another character, a physical barrier, societal norms).
• An internal conflict (e.g., self-doubt, a moral dilemma).
• A moment of irrevocable action (e.g., crossing a boundary they can’t return from).
For example:
• A young chef breaks into a rival’s restaurant to reclaim a stolen family recipe.
• A widowed artist vandalizes a gallery hosting her late husband’s work, believing it’s been misrepresented.
• A politician sabotages their own campaign to expose a corruption scandal.
Evaluation Criteria
1. Proactivity: Does the protagonist’s action clearly stem from their desires, beliefs, or flaws, rather than external pressures alone?
• Strong Example: A character risking their reputation by leaking incriminating files because they value truth over comfort.
• Weak Example: A character reacting to an external event (e.g., someone breaking into their house) without a clear personal motivation.
2. Memorability: Is the protagonist’s action or personality unique enough to stay with the reader?
• Strong Example: A meticulous librarian sabotaging a high-profile literary auction to protect an obscure poet’s legacy.
• Weak Example: A generic “brave hero” resolving an argument in a way that feels expected and uninspired.
3. Plot-Centrality: Does the protagonist’s decision meaningfully alter the direction of the story?
• Strong Example: A character’s betrayal shifts alliances, causing the reader to question their loyalty.
• Weak Example: The action feels inconsequential, with no significant impact on the world or narrative.
Follow-Up Questions for Workshopping/Revision
• Does the protagonist’s action feel driven by their internal makeup rather than plot convenience?
• How does the external obstacle reflect or amplify the character’s internal conflict?
• Are the stakes clear and urgent? How can they be heightened?
• Is there a moment or detail that makes the character particularly vivid?
• Does the scene end with a sense of consequence?
Recommended Reading
Short Story: “The Fifth Story” by Clarice Lispector
This story demonstrates how memorable, proactive choices shaped by internal conflicts can elevate a character’s centrality to a narrative.
Novel Excerpt: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Ch. 5: “Anticipation”)
In this section, Morgenstern introduces a proactive, vividly drawn protagonist whose choices ripple through the plot.
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