The Fourth Step in Writing Your Novel: Developing Your Characters and Plot

As you embark on your novel-writing journey, Step 4 marks a pivotal moment. It’s here that you breathe life into your story through well-rounded characters and a meticulously crafted plot. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the essential elements of character and plot development, guiding you towards the completion of your novel.

1. Create Well-Rounded Characters with Distinct Personalities and Motivations

Characters are the heart and soul of any novel. They are the vessels through which your story comes to life, and their depth and complexity engage readers on a profound level. To create well-rounded characters, consider the following aspects:

a. Define Their Personalities:

Start by defining your characters’ personalities. What are their quirks, habits, and unique traits? Consider how their personalities influence their actions and decisions.

b. Establish Clear Motivations:

Every character should have clear motivations that drive their choices and actions throughout the story. What are their goals, desires, and fears? Motivations provide depth and authenticity to your characters.

c. Craft Backstories:

Develop detailed backstories for your characters. Understand their past experiences, relationships, and traumas, as these elements shape who they are in the present. Backstories inform their motivations and behaviors.

d. Create Flaws and Imperfections:

Perfect characters can be unrelatable and uninteresting. Introduce flaws and imperfections that make your characters human. Flaws add depth and relatability, making readers empathize with their struggles.

e. Establish Relationships:

Consider how your characters interact with each other. Relationships, whether familial, romantic, or adversarial, play a crucial role in character development. They can lead to conflict, growth, and transformation.

f. Give Characters Arcs:

Craft character arcs that depict their journey of change or growth throughout the story. Characters should evolve, learn, or face dilemmas that challenge their initial beliefs or behaviors.

Case Study: Character Development in “To Kill a Mockingbird”

Harper Lee’s classic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” features well-rounded characters with distinct personalities and motivations. Atticus Finch is a principled lawyer with a strong sense of justice, motivated by a desire to teach his children moral values. His daughter, Scout, is a curious and perceptive child whose innocence allows her to challenge racial prejudice in her community. Boo Radley, the reclusive neighbor, is driven by a desire for connection, leading to a surprising transformation.

Each character in the novel possesses a unique personality, clear motivations, and a well-defined backstory. Their interactions and growth throughout the story contribute to the novel’s enduring appeal.

2. Outline the Major Plot Points, Conflicts, and the Overall Story Arc

Once your characters are well-developed, it’s time to outline the major plot points, conflicts, and the overall story arc. A well-structured plot provides the framework on which your characters’ journeys unfold. Here’s how to approach plot development:

a. Identify Key Plot Points:

Begin by identifying the major plot points that drive your story. These include the inciting incident (the event that sets the story in motion), rising action, climax (the story’s turning point), and resolution. Each of these points should propel the narrative forward.

b. Develop Conflict and Tension:

Conflict is the engine of storytelling. Introduce various forms of conflict, including external (e.g., antagonists, obstacles) and internal (e.g., character dilemmas, moral choices). Conflict creates tension that keeps readers engaged.

c. Craft Subplots:

Subplots add depth and complexity to your story. Consider secondary storylines that intersect with the main plot, providing character development opportunities and thematic resonance.

d. Create a Story Arc:

Outline the overall story arc, which encompasses the beginning, middle, and end of your novel. The beginning introduces the characters and sets the stage, the middle presents challenges and conflicts, and the end resolves the central conflict and provides closure.

e. Foreshadowing and Pacing:

Use foreshadowing to hint at future events and create anticipation. Pay attention to pacing, balancing moments of tension and release to keep the story engaging.

f. Embrace the Three-Act Structure:

Consider employing the three-act structure—a common narrative framework. Act 1 establishes the status quo and introduces the inciting incident, Act 2 develops conflict and challenges characters, and Act 3 resolves the conflict and brings the story to a satisfying conclusion.

Case Study: Plot Development in “The Great Gatsby”

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” features a well-crafted plot with clear major plot points and conflicts. The inciting incident occurs when Nick Carraway, the narrator, moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the extravagant world of Jay Gatsby. The rising action unfolds as Gatsby’s mysterious past and obsession with Daisy Buchanan are revealed.

The climax occurs during a tense confrontation between Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, and Daisy, leading to tragic consequences. The resolution provides closure as Nick reflects on the events of the story.

Fitzgerald also incorporates subplots, such as Tom and Daisy’s troubled marriage and Nick’s internal struggle with moral dilemmas. The novel’s three-act structure effectively guides readers through the narrative, making it a classic example of well-executed plot development.

3. Allow Flexibility for Your Story to Evolve as You Write

While outlining your characters and plot is essential, it’s equally crucial to allow flexibility for your story to evolve as you write. Writing is a dynamic process, and sometimes the characters and plot may take unexpected turns. Here’s how to balance structure with flexibility:

a. Be Open to Inspiration:

As you write, remain open to inspiration and creativity. Your characters may surprise you with their decisions, and new plot ideas may emerge. Embrace these moments of inspiration.

b. Reevaluate Your Outline:

Periodically revisit your character and plot outlines. If you discover that the story is naturally veering in a different direction, consider adjusting your outline to accommodate these changes.

c. Trust Your Characters:

Characters often take on a life of their own. If a character’s actions or choices align with their personality and motivations but differ from your initial plan, trust their authenticity.

d. Balance Structure and Freedom:

Striking a balance between structure and creative freedom is key. While structure provides guidance, the freedom to explore uncharted territory can lead to some of the most compelling storytelling.

e. Revise and Refine:

During the revision process, you can fine-tune and enhance your characters and plot. Use feedback from beta readers or critique partners to identify areas that may benefit from further development.

Case Study: Flexibility in Storytelling

J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series is a prime example of a story that evolved and expanded as the author wrote. Rowling famously had the final chapter of the series in mind from the beginning but allowed the details of the story to develop organically.

As the series progressed, new characters emerged, and unexpected plot twists unfolded. The depth and complexity of the magical world grew with each installment. Rowling’s willingness to embrace flexibility while maintaining an overarching structure contributed to the series’ success and enduring popularity.

Conclusion

In Step 4, you’ve ventured into the heart of storytelling—character and plot development. By creating well-rounded characters with distinct personalities and motivations and crafting a thoughtfully outlined plot, you’ve laid the foundation for a compelling narrative.

Remember that while structure is essential, flexibility allows your story to breathe and evolve naturally. Your characters may surprise you, and your plot may take unexpected turns. Embrace these moments of creativity and trust your storytelling instincts.

As you proceed to Step 5: Write and Revise, you’ll put your characters and plot into action, crafting scenes and dialogue that bring your story to life. Stay motivated, stay inspired, and continue your journey towards completing your novel, one page at a time.