LazyWriter's Notebook

Nov 20, 2019 at 1:08am • Edited

What do you do for plot if you're a more character-driven writer? I come up with an idea - just an idea, of a character doing something, which features no conflict - and then flesh out my characters and then let them lead me along and hope that, somewhere along the way, the story shows itself. And then I write the story again with the plot, getting rid of the unnecessary bits, ironing out the creases, and making the characterization consistent, etc.

The reason I ask if because I've done the same for NaNo and, with ten days to go, I'm still rambling along without a plot! I tried so hard to come up with one before NaNo began, but I just couldn't do it. I've tried to come up with one while I've been writing, but...of course, I'm still rambling. For time limits and word limits like NaNo, I think I need to change my style a bit. Any tips?

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Schnujo is Late to Lannister

Nov 20, 2019 at 12:18pm

To me, it sounds like you have a bit of a plot going, but maybe I don't really know what plot is.

Anyway, you could try having a parallel situation in the community or even in their lives, not with looking for another power or whatever, but something else that's similar. While he is investigating whether or not she has another power, maybe she is investigating whether to adopt a kid or maybe she is investigating alternative power sources or whatever.

A writing book I listened to recently gave an example of having characters parallel in their activities with a scene where 2 people were talking and 1 was trying to decide what to do with their life and the other was trying to decide on paint chip colors or something. Anyway, you could expand that idea to something bigger. What is their overall motive in the story and how can that be applied to a different thing. Maybe this will just give a subplot, I'm not sure, but it will add something, at least.

Also, have you tried the NaNo Adoption Society? They have an Adopt-a-Plot section. Maybe you'll find a plot there that really resonates with your characters. Or consider the Adopt-a-Subplot thread with the idea that you'd have to expand on it. Just thoughts...I've read the whole Adopt-a-Subplot thread to find subplots for my story.

Good luck!

Roseille ♥

Nov 20, 2019 at 3:58pm

Ahhhh, this is a tough one! I'm also character-focused, which means I as a reader am happy to sit through low- or no-conflict passages as long as they deepen my understanding of a character, but I know that's not the case! I'm actually editing a completed fantasy novel right now to maintain tension in each scene.

In the editing phase, it helps me to ask, in each scene: "What does the character most want in this moment?" When I know what the character wants, I can show what stands in the way of it more easily.

The same thing applies to story ideas. I still have characters in my head that haven't found the right conflict yet, but knowing what they most need, value, or love is an excellent way to cruelly take it from them and/or make them struggle to achieve a goal. Sometimes plot and conflict are already built into a character idea. One sci-fi novel in progress started with a character drugged into complacence to serve the rebuilding efforts of a post-apocalyptic government while said government lied about his (and his people's) ability to think and act for themselves. The thing he wanted was freedom, and I had plenty of things to get in the way of that, already conveniently built-in.

Other characters are harder, and you have to dig a little deeper before you can find the thing that would really ruin their day.

But once you do, you have the start of a story! But don't ever think of plot as something separate from your characters. It's not an outside force. For us character-centric writers, it's an inside force. Your character's goals and desires and fears make the plot, and his choices move the story. The setting is just his stage.

Osirantinous

Nov 21, 2019 at 1:53am

Mm, as Schnujo is Late to Lannister says, it sounds like a plot hiding there!!

As for the 'why' - it's a bit like what concrete_angel said but from 'why?' rather than 'what?'. I would grill the guy with: why do you think there's a connection with the girl? Why are you so interested in there being a connection? Why would you go to her father when it's possible he doesn't care about her?

It's a bit like you have to ask them to fill in a character questionnaire to get them to be talkative and reveal their secrets. Though... sometimes when I have characters who don't play fair, I just turn to some other characters in another story. It's makes the first bunch a bit more open

Anyway....revealing their motivations might reveal the plot (also, what is the point of the powers? Why are they needed?)