Have characters but no plot

by Sophia
(Pennsylvania )

Question: I have these three characters that I really like and really want to use but I have no plot ideas for any of them. I've tried to come up with something and, thus far, have not been able to. What do you do when you have characters but no plot, but you want to write a story about them? Any tips on maybe ways to flesh out the characters or plots would be great.

Answer: About 20% of writers start with characters rather than plot.

Some people do a process of envisioning these characters in different situations and at different times in their lives and seeing how they interact - until a plot emerges.

Or, if you want a more direct approach...

1. Try asking what each character wants, either in the short or long term.
2. Try asking what each character has in their life that they value and would want to protect.

Next you will create an initial driver -- an event that occurs that disrupts the status quo in one or more of these characters' lives. The initial driver could be a new threat (perhaps to the thing they value). Or it could be a new opportunity, perhaps to get the thing they want.

Maybe it's a person who enters their lives. Maybe it's an event beyond their control. Regardless, something must happen that disrupts their world. It's a good idea to brainstorm a number of possibilities and then pause before deciding which one you like the best.

You can then develop the plot by imagining how the character will respond to the initial driver. What will their goal be? What bad thing will they be trying to avoid? How will they accomplish their objective?

You can also brainstorm possible ideas for how this story will build up to the biggest crisis any or all of these characters could face at some point in their lives. How will it challenge them? How will it force them to face their limitations or their inner demons?

You might then apply a dramatic structure to each possible crisis you come up with...

Part one: How does it begin?
Part two: How does it get worse?
Part three: How are things forced to a crisis? Do they decide to change in order to meet this crisis?
Part four: How does it work out in the end?

If you find a plot that really appeals to you, the next step might be to brainstorm ideas for the 8 essential plot elements, as they would apply to your chosen crisis.

See this article on how to do this...

https://www.how-to-write-a-book-now.com/plot-outline.html

Since you have three characters, one will likely be the main character (the one whose decision at the climax determines how the crisis will be resolved). Consider if one of the other two would make a good impact character - a character who can offer the main character an example of a different way of doing things (so he/she will consider changing).

Best of luck.

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