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Martha Alderson

Plot Consultant

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Characters in Action-Driven and Character-Driven Stories

November 10, 2014 By Martha Alderson

Just as some writers excel at creating believable – intriguing characters in
character-driven novels and
others at creating exciting – meaningful action in action-driven novels,
some characters are better at opening up and showing emotion in stories while
others excel at taking action.  

 

With the belief that we write best when we understand our writing strengths and weaknesses, I include how to determine whether you’re an action-driven writer or a character-driven writer or a thematically-driven writer or a combination of all of the above in The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master.

In my work with writers, what I find fascinating is that often character-driven writers who love to delve into the characters’ internal landscape often write about characters who before moving on when faced with failure / challenges / obstacles in the middle:

  • Slow down
  • Reflect how they are doing
  • Evaluate their behavior and reactions 
  • Look at what went wrong from all angles
  • Learn from their mistakes

While action-driven writers often develop characters who are more impulsive and when faced with failure / challenges / obstacles in the middle:

  • Don’t tend to stop to evaluate what went wrong
  • Think less
  • Act faster 
  • Multi-task
  • Focus on the achieving the goal

In other words, often writers who excel at goal-setting for their characters and love action seem to create characters who move and act quickly and often impulsively to reach the reward at the end.

Writers who excel at creating characters who feel seem to create characters who think and ponder and evaluate on their way to reaching the reward at the end.

Which kind of writer are you?

Learn how to integrate the linear, logical, plot side of writing with the intuitive, imaginative, spiritual side of writing: 

$9.99 All Inclusive SPECIAL OFFER

  • The Spiritual Guide: How to Embrace the Infinite Wisdom of the Universal Story and Transform Your Own Unique Creative Expression the Plot Whisperer Way

PLUS full access to:

  • 27-Step Tutorial: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay?
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About Martha

Martha lives at the beach along the central coast of California and draws inspiration from the surrounding nature. When not at the beach, she writes women’s fiction and is exploring what it means to leave a lasting legacy. [Read More] about About Martha

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