Story development is the process of expanding a new idea into a fully-realized narrative with fully-developed characters. Some writers, called plotters, complete elaborate pre-writing tasks before drafting their stories, while others, known as pantsers, prefer to discover their story through the act of writing. The ability to suss out characters, brainstorm set pieces, and distill notes into cogent loglines and pitches are essential skills for anyone working in the industry.
Character lives at the heart of every story. It’s their actions that drive the plot, their motivations that lend meaning, and the trials and tribulation they endure that keep readers turning the pages.
The key to creating well-developed characters is finding the right balance of “show, don’t tell” characterization techniques. This is where character traits, mannerisms, and dialogue can be used to evoke a sense of each character’s personality and inner world. The use of archetypes can also help develop character by providing a framework for the types of personalities and situations that your characters might encounter.
As you develop your key characters, don’t forget to explore the supporting cast that will add depth to the story. Good subplots serve an important role in a story’s central conflict, adding complexity and complicating the protagonist’s external and internal journeys. Ultimately, they should provide a meaningful contrast to the protagonist’s primary goal and Super Objective, driving the story towards its climax. To do this, introduce progressive complications that escalate your protagonist’s struggles and propel them toward the climax.
