How to Write a Protagonist

Hello future authors! Today, we are going to dive into the exciting world of creating your own characters. Specifically, we're going to learn how to dream up a compelling protagonist for your novel.

The protagonist is the main character in your story--the one readers cheer for, cry with, and whose journey they follow from the first page to the last. Here are some steps to help you create a protagonist that not only you will love but so will your readers.

Step 1: Give Them a Purpose

First and foremost, your protagonist needs a reason to be in your story. This is commonly known as their 'goal' or 'motivation'. It could be anything from finding a lost treasure, saving the world, or discovering their true identity. Make it something interesting and important to your character.

Step 2: Make Them Real

Your protagonist should feel like a real person, not just a character in a book. Give them qualities that make them human. They should have strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, and emotions--just like you and me.

Step 3: Develop Their Backstory

Every good protagonist has a backstory that shapes who they are in the present. This includes their experiences, their family situation, their education, and other life events that have impacted them. Remember, this doesn't all have to be revealed at once, but it should exist for you, the author, to draw from.

Step 4: Challenge Them

A good protagonist needs challenges to grow. These can come from the villain, the environment, their own fears, or anywhere else you can think of. These obstacles are a big part of why readers root for the protagonist--they want to see them overcome adversity and succeed.

Step 5: Show Their Growth

By the end of your book, your protagonist should have grown or changed in some way. This doesn’t need to be a huge transformation, but show how dealing with their challenges and working towards their goal has changed them.

So, there you have it! Five steps to creating a protagonist who's ready for a big adventure! Remember, you're the author, so feel free to elaborate, experiment and play around with these steps in any way that suits your story best.

Now, You try it!

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