I’m a writer blog

Guidelines for writing Poems, Stories and Tales

Do I kill my main character?

Asked by: Shawnna Morales

If you have a character that has served their purpose within the story, killing them off can be a natural — but strong — way to offer closure to their story. If you have a protagonist that has made major sacrifices for the greater good, sometimes the best closure to their story is the ultimate sacrifice.

How do you know if you should kill off a character?

Just make sure you can justify the death. Killing off a well-liked character without reason will make your readers angry. And no one wants angry readers. If they absolutely must be sent off, have them reveal important plot information, or at the very least make them seem dignified and noble in their death.

Why do they kill off main characters?

Unlike stories in television or film, character deaths are rarely by unforeseen behind-the-scenes events, as there is no analogous situation to having actors portraying characters. Instead, characters are typically killed off as part of the story or occasionally by editorial mandate to generate publicity for a title.

Is it okay to base your main character of yourself?

Because of this, using a character based on yourself is a valid method to propel your story. One common writing tip is to base your characters on the people around you. You are just as much of a person as they are- your reactions and decisions are just as realistic as theirs.

Can the main character die in first person?

Let me state right up front … YES, your first-person narrator can die. Your story is your story, after all, and you can make anything at all happen within the confines of those pages.

Why do authors kill their characters?

It advances the plot; it fulfils the doomed character’s personal goal; it motivates other characters; it’s a fitting recompense for the character’s actions; it emphasises the theme; and it creates realism within the story world (which certainly applies to Westeros, where the average lifespan must be very short).

How do you write a painful death?

7 Tips For Writing Meaningful Death Scenes

  1. Make the reader care about the character. …
  2. Make the reader despise the character. …
  3. Show the death’s effect on other characters. …
  4. Avoid over-dramatisation and clichés. …
  5. Don’t rely on shock value. …
  6. Try not to make a death predictable.

Can the main character be the antagonist?

Sometimes, there is no clear distinction of whether a character is a protagonist or an antagonist. Whether their intentions are unknown, their actions are both positive and negative, or they are their own worst enemy, a primary character can be both a protagonist and an antagonist at the same time.

What does acting out of character mean?

(idiomatic) Inconsistent with one’s personality, disposition, or usual expected behaviour. quotations ▼ The burst of anger was out of character for the normally placid boy. (idiomatic, acting) Not in character; not successfully performing within the mindset of a given character in a theatrical performance.

Can the narrator be the author?

In fiction, the answer is almost always no. The narrator is the fictional construct the author has created to tell the story through. It’s the point of view the story is coming from.

What is third person POV?

Third Person Point of View. In third-person narration, the narrator exists outside the events of the story, and relates the actions of the characters by referring to their names or by the third-person pronouns he, she, or they.

What is a Narratee?

Definition. 1The term “narratee,” coined by Prince (1971) following the French term “narrataire” (Barthes 1966: 10), designates the addressee of the narrator, the fictive entity to which the narrator directs his narration.



What is the most exciting part of the story?

The CLIMAX

The CLIMAX of the story is when the CONFLICT of the PLOT is resolved.It is often the most exciting part of the story: when the hero saves the princess, discovers the buried treasure, or slays the dragon.

What are the 5 plots of a story?

There are 5 elements of plot:

  • Exposition.
  • Rising Action.
  • Climax.
  • Falling Action.
  • Conclusion.

Do all stories have a narrator?

Every text (even articles or reports) has a narrator. That is, they’re told from a specific point of view with a particular approach and a distinct tone.



What are the 4 types of plot?

Type of Plots

The plot used in fictions can be differentiated into four types: linear, episodic, parallel, and flashback.

How do I choose a plot for my story?

10 Tips for Plotting Your Novel: Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Generate ideas. …
  2. Start with a simple, compelling premise. …
  3. Have a clear central conflict. …
  4. Choose your structure. …
  5. Trace out general story arcs. …
  6. Build subplots. …
  7. Think about cause and effect. …
  8. Write a detailed outline.

Is the main character a play?

Answer: A Main Character is the player through whom the audience experiences the story first hand. A Protagonist is the prime mover of the plot. A Hero is a combination of both Main Character and Protagonist.

What makes a good plot in a movie?

A strong plot is centered on one moment—an interruption of a pattern, a turning point, or an action—that raises a dramatic question, which must be answered throughout the course of the story. This is also known as plot A. Every element of the plot—each scene, each line—exists in service of answering that question.



What makes a story powerful?

A story may be considered powerful if it fulfills the following criteria; the more criteria met, the more powerful the story: The story can be told simply and quickly. The story stimulates behavioural change and change in attitudes. The story has a huge budget.

What are the 7 elements of a story?

Did you know there are seven basic elements in every successful story?

  • Character. This is so important, because unless your reader feels something for the characters, they won’t care what happens to them, and they won’t read on. …
  • Plot. …
  • Setting. …
  • Point of View. …
  • Style. …
  • Theme. …
  • Literary Devices.

Does a producer have more power than a director?

A film producer manages the business side of the production, while the director handles the creative side. There are also many producers, (because there are many moving parts to producing a film), while there is typically only one director making the majority of the creative decisions.



Who is the boss on a movie set?

The director most often has the highest authority on a film set. Generally, a director controls a film’s artistic and dramatic aspects and visualizes the screenplay (or script) while guiding the technical crew and actors in the fulfillment of that vision.

Who has the most power on a movie set?

The director is the one responsible for telling the story and bringing it to life on screen. A director’s responsibilities include working with the actors, answering interview questions, setting location and blocking, as well as writing shot lists and deciding on the film’s overall look and composition.