What Does Your Main Character Have To Lose
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Writing Speaking -> subcategory Writing.
What Does Your Main Character Have to Lose?
Exploring the Stakes in Your Story
If your story lacks high stakes, it may not captivate readers. By high stakes, we're not talking about trivial losses like a nice pair of earrings or a car. Instead, we're discussing something significant that impacts not just your main character, but potentially a broader scope like a family, community, or even a nation. This deep sense of stakes propels your story forward.
Stakes go beyond personal struggles or minor plot points; they encapsulate desires and conflicts that resonate profoundly. In popular novels, the stakes are often tied to the protagonist's personal quest for fulfillment. Did she find the love she yearned for? Achieve her career goals? Build the family she dreamed of? It's about channeling the intensity of these desires so that readers feel them as acutely as any monumental conflict.
This critical component in your novel is referred to as STAKES. At their core, stakes represent the most significant things at risk?"whether it be fortune, friendship, dreams, or life itself. High-stakes narratives are powerful drivers in bestselling books.
Examples of High-Stakes Stories
The Godfather: At its heart, the driving force is a quest for justice. After the main character's father is murdered in Italy and his mother is killed before his eyes, he seeks justice in America. Unwilling to endure further injustice, he turns to crime, while hoping his son can achieve legitimacy. The narrative of justice and its pursuit carries through a bestselling novel and a trilogy of films.
Gone with the Wind: Many perceive the stakes as the preservation of Tara, the plantation. However, the true stakes are found in Scarlett's obsessive love. Her relentless pursuit of Ashley Wilkes transforms into a compelling drive that envelops readers. Her passion and determination keep readers engaged through war, cultural shifts, and personal trials.
The Mayor's Wife Wore Sapphires: Respect is the key driving force. Indigo strives for respect for herself, her family, and her city. Her endeavors to elevate a predominantly African-American city into an admired hub reflect her ambitions. Despite setbacks and personal losses, her quest for respect propels the narrative from local challenges to broader political arenas.
What Are the Stakes in Your Novel?
Consider what your character stands to lose. Whether physical or emotional, the stakes should be significant enough to drive your story forward. Identify them clearly to keep your readers engaged from start to finish.
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