Writing.Com General Discussion

Hello Captain.

I'm no expert, but there are some basic principles that can help you out here. Remember that in every story, there is an underlying story, which is what causes the main character to transform in some way in order to have a chance at tackling the antagonist. Often this is seen as overcoming a flaw or misbelief, an internal struggle.

The plot is a sequence of events that persistently triggers that internal struggle, driving both the underlying story and the main story forward, until the MC chooses or is forced to make that transformation.

Then there is the primary plot device or construct. This is an idea around which both the plot and the main story evolve. For example, it could be the lunatic that escaped the asylum (antagonist), or it could be an emotionally charged moment in the MC's life which is fast approaching and causing them to get stressed (e.g. the day their mother was murdered - perhaps by the lunatic?).

My advice is to first create a believable MC with a ripe flaw for exploitation, then come up with your monster or whatever that will be the catalyst for the plot.

Even if you have an idea of what your plot is going to be (and in horror this is often the case), I would recommend keeping that as vague as possible until you have created the MC and the primary plot device/construct. Knowing what these are will help you flesh out a really juicy and relevant plot.