1. soital

    soital New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 31, 2011
    Messages:
    21
    Likes Received:
    0

    Story with no main character....help

    Discussion in 'Character Development' started by soital, Nov 7, 2011.

    I have an idea for a fantasy story....but can't seem to find "the" main character. I'm trying to find some inspiration that isnt cliche or used, what do you use to discover who is meant to be the main character??...If this needs more explanation let me know
     
  2. Acanthophis

    Acanthophis ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Contributor

    Joined:
    Feb 11, 2011
    Messages:
    606
    Likes Received:
    340
    Location:
    Canada
    Maybe instead of creating the main character off the bat, you could write a bit about where the story takes place, what's going on, and how it's going to end. You might be able to come up with a main character and his/her motivation for getting to the end after doing so.
     
  3. Jhunter

    Jhunter Mmm, bacon. Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2011
    Messages:
    1,218
    Likes Received:
    45
    Location:
    Southern California
    For me it changes, one time my story comes about because of a main character I thought up. Other times I think of story idea and world first, then my main character comes to me.

    Right now, if you are struggling, I would suggest fleshing out your entire story in some notes and even some supporting characters or an antagonist. Delving into your world will help you organically find your main character. I promise.
     
  4. Reggie

    Reggie I Like 'Em hot "N Spicy Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2010
    Messages:
    678
    Likes Received:
    22
    Location:
    USA
    This is exactly what I do. I would first write the entire book first without developing the characters, then in the second draft, I would add the character development and in the third draft, I would add logic to the story.
     
  5. Thanshin

    Thanshin Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2010
    Messages:
    562
    Likes Received:
    13
    Location:
    Spain
    You don't need a main character.
     
  6. spklvr

    spklvr Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2010
    Messages:
    734
    Likes Received:
    36
    Location:
    Sarpsborg, Norway
    Ditto on that. I think it would be much more interesting to have no specific main character, though I'm possibly biased because I rarely have main characters myself. I make ensembles to keep the reader on their toes, because everyone can die! But I like killing my characters. If I feel like I really need an MC, the one who survives until the end is usually it.
     
  7. Tesoro

    Tesoro Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2011
    Messages:
    2,818
    Likes Received:
    300
    Location:
    A place with no future
    I don't need to discover who the mc is, he/she appears together with (or even before) the story idea. This situation has yet never happened to me.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice