Writers Write is your one-stop resource for writers. In this post, we discuss the story goal – the key to creating a great plot for your novel.
You have to keep your characters busy if you want to write a novel. You have to give them a crisis, a reason to overcome it, and a way out.
The Story Goal – The Key To Creating A Solid Plot Structure
Your protagonist has to set a concrete goal that he or she believes will solve the crisis. The protagonist’s goal is known as the story goal. This goal is the foundation of your plot.
Your story at its most basic:
Before you start writing, complete this: My novel is a story about ______________________ (protagonist’s name) who wants to ____________________________________ (ultimate physical story goal).
Characters must have a physical story goal.
For the purpose of plotting, you should not choose an abstract goal.
Characters always have abstract story goals. We are always on journeys of self-discovery where we worry about our feelings. This is a given, but never let these become more important than physical goals with deadlines. If you do choose an abstract story goal, your character will spend too much time alone, thinking and boring your readers.
Remember that love is not a plot – it is an emotion.
To recap from a previous post on story goals, wanting to find ‘love’ or ‘acceptance’ or ‘justice’ is not enough. When your character is loved, accepted or vindicated after achieving a physical goal, you have a story.
Your Character Needs One Of These
to get something physical.
to cause something physical.
to escape something physical.
to resolve something physical.
to survive something physical.
How do you know if your story goal is good enough to support your story? If you want to know, please read our next post: 5 Criteria For Creating Successful Story Goals