Most writing advice tells us to create an interesting character… and then make life difficult for them.
We're basically launching grenades at our characters, when we should be nocking arrows.
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If readers keep saying they "just couldn't connect" or "didn't feel satisfied," the problem may not be your dialogue, backstory, or character development. It may be that your plot isn't aiming at the one thing that creates real emotional investment.
This is the first episode in a series on building character-driven stories. Next week, we'll look at how to design a plot that puts pressure on one exact point in your protagonist and creates lasting emotional impact.
⏱️ TIME STAMPS
00:00 - Why readers don't connect
00:43 - The grenade problem
02:10 - Every story needs a bullseye
02:39 - The sacred flaw
03:56 - Identity keeps us stuck
05:16 - The flaw they're hiding
08:04 - The emotional core of every story
09:31 - Finding sacred flaws everywhere
10:25 - Part 2: Designing the plot
📖 RESOURCES MENTIONED
- The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr
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