Tag Archives: Protagonist

When characters collide

Consider the possible basic conflicts in fiction:  man against environment, man against man, man against society, and man against self.  In most plots the conflicts are between people.  Even in Robinson Caruso and Castaway, tales of man surviving in isolation, … Continue reading

Posted in Creativity, Literary devices, Writer's resource | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The merits of fictional characters

Having seen discussion boards in which people spend time arguing about the merits of fictional characters, I would assume that a number of readers prefer these imaginary people to real ones. Fictional characters may be braver, more beautiful, or have … Continue reading

Posted in Literary devices, Story structure, Writer's resource | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

What’s the problem?

When students embark on writing fiction, they can typically handle coming up with characters and settings. The element that causes the greatest problem for the students is the problem  (a.k.a. the conflict). Reading fiction may be a form of escape … Continue reading

Posted in Fiction in education, Story structure, Writer's resource | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment