March 2007: Struggle (cont.)

Many stories, perhaps most, have an antagonist. To have a character who is creating the main character’s problem—or at least making the problem worse—gives the writer opportunities for strong, active scenes and interesting dialogue.

In this story, Runt’s failure to win his father’s approval prompts him, finally, to leave his pack and follow Bider into danger. And that decision leads to the climax—the moment when everything comes very close to tumbling into complete failure—and beyond. Bider, the antagonist, is eliminated, and Runt turns back to his pack. The story ends with his earning a new name from his father. He leaves his old identity and his old failed relationship with his father behind.

So when you think about story problem—when you ask yourself that crucial question, “What does my character want?”—think about struggle. Ask yourself not just what does your character want but what is your character going to do to try to get what he wants. Ask yourself, too, who or what is standing in your character’s way.

Struggle lies at the core of story. Set your main character to struggling, and your story will come to life.