This Writing Tool Develops Dynamic Story Structure
By Matthew L. Hart
Writer & Humorist
Author of:
Uncle Matty's Halloween: Jokes, Bits & Anecdotes
"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together."
- Vincent Van Gogh
I am now going to introduce you to another tool in The Writer's Toolbox called,
The Protagonist Game
What is a protagonist?
My definition of a protagonist is, the main character of a story who typically makes the decisions, finds the solutions and actively drives the story forward to some conclusion that effects this character the most, more than any other, by the end of the story.
What will you need to get started playing The Protagonist Game?
The Writer's Toolbox, of course!
Retrieve the:
Three minute sand timer
Four Protagonist "palettes"
64 page booklet for instruction
64 page booklet for instruction
Now, lets play, The Protagonist Game!
Each Protagonist "pallette" has a name on it:
"Protagonist"
"Goals"
"Obstacles"
"Action"
We will spin the wheel on each pallette to reveal different combinations for each aspect of the story plots.
Using the sand timer, we will then write for three minutes about each aspect of the plot.
Ready to spin? Then, here we go!
Our Protagonist pallette, reads:
"Liz, who reviews books"
Now we just write about our protagonist. Think about questions, like:
What does Liz look like?
Where does Liz live?
What book is she reviewing?
Is Liz single or married?
How's that working out?
Basically, let's create Liz's status quo and introduce her to our reader.
I'll write with you. Ready?
GO!
"You wouldn't call Liz a "book worm." Not only did she not look the part, she'd probably kick your ass. She didn't go to the gym, either. Her athletic physique brought on too much unwanted attention. Besides, nobody really likes being distracted while they worked and, working was all she ever did. Liz did her best work at home. She made a nice office in the corner of her modern apartment with the centerpiece as a beautiful treadmill desk. She never tracked miles, only page counts. After all, her livelihood was dependant on her reviewing two books a week for an independent publishing house."
Times up.
Now that we know who Liz is, what her home life is like, what her work life is like and how that's going for her, let's give her a challenge and spin the wheel on the Goals pallette.
The Goals pallette reads:
"to see the world"
Now, we flip the timer and try to set up and answer why Liz would want to see the world. If you're having a hard time, try thinking about why you would want to see the world.
I'll keep writing. Let's go!
"Liz read many books about every subject. She reviewed fantasy fiction books about hobbits, dragons and wizards. She read action books about bank heists in exotic cities, with car chases through Italy or the streets of China. She even reviewed nonfiction books that studied the tribes in Africa, food cuisine in Europe and followed the daily rituals of Monks in the Alps. Liz read all these books on foot, walking steadily at her treadmill desk yet, never really going anywhere. She had photos, like post cards, pinned on the wall in front of her. They featured all the exotic places she hoped one day to visit. All Liz ever wanted was to see the world in the high definition of reality but, instead found herself settling for the grainy, black and white pages of imagination."
Times up!
Now that Liz has a goal, let's create an obstacle for her to overcome when reaching that goal. Lets spin that wheel on the "Obstacles" pallette!
The Obstacles pallette reads:
"Mother"
Now, let's think for just a moment how Liz's Mother could be an obstacle for her goal of seeing the world and flip that timer!
Ready?...Set?...
GO!
"The incessent beeping put a halt to Liz's walk. It was 3 o'clock on a Tuesday. "Visit mom" popped up on her digital calendar. It was raining again. Liz was surprised she expected anything else. This was Seattle, after all. The white cotton towel felt good against her skin as she crossed the room to freshen up. A cool shower kept her alert and dress clothes sent her on her way. She didn't even notice the drive across the city as she pulled up to her Mother's apartment an hour later. She used her key to let herself in. "Hey, Mom." Liz said as she approached her sickly mother. The only greetings she got in return were the muffled puffs from an oxygen machine. "How are you feeling, today? Are you ready for your Doctor's appointment?" Liz asked and was answered with a smile and a weak nod. Looking after her ailing mother once a week was the mortar in her routine. She had no plans to see the world today."
And...TIME!
Alright! We are almost there. Now, there is nothing left to do but force our protagonist to take some action towards her goal. For that, we'll spin the wheel of the "Action" pallette and bring this story home.
The Action pallette reads:
"gets on television"
Let's take just a moment to think about how our protagonist might be able to get on television and flip that timer.
NOW!
"Liz spent a lot of time waiting for her Mother's dialysis and would read beside her bed while her Mother slept. She was too weak to talk and Liz felt it best to let her rest. She finally gave herself permission to grab a coffee in the cafeteria. While she was there, she spotted one of the nurses reading a book she reviewed months ago and couldn't help herself but to ask, "Excuse me, Miss?" The nurse's name tag read, Maria. She looked up pleasantly. "Yes?" Liz pointed at the book. "I couldn't help to notice the book you're reading." Liz was excited to see if her review matched that of actual readers out there. "Do you like it?" She continued. "Oh, very much." Said, Maria. "I just love these romantic novels. I've always wanted to see Rome but, well, my patients are here. Please sit down." Liz took Maria up on her offer. "I know the feeling." Liz sympathized. "I hope you're not here for your own sake." Maria asked. "Oh, no. I'm waiting for my mother. She's in dialysis right now." Maria put her book down. "So sorry to here that. I hope she's alright." Liz smiled. "We should all be so lucky." The two laughed. Maria suggested to Liz, "If you're interested in reading, I'm actually part of an online book club called 'Liz Reads'. You should check it out. She does very good work." Liz couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Times up!
Nooooooooo!!!
So, this will happen sometimes. You'll be writing along when, all of a sudden, the timer runs empty. But, this is supposed to be fun, remember? And, if you want to keep going, I suggest you do.
The tools are designed to get you writing, so if you think you've got something more to write at any stage of the game, just go with it!
I would like to finish up how Liz gets her way onto television and begins taking action on her goal of seeing the world but, maybe it would be fun to let you try at it.
Finish the scene I've written between Nurse, Maria, and Book Reviewer, Liz, and see if you can figure out a way to get Liz on television to reach her goal of seeing the world.
Did you follow along with this game and writer your own story?
SHARE YOUR STORY FEATURING LIZ, WHO REVIEWS BOOKS,
IN THE COMMENTS BELOW
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