Character Intention & Narrative Consequence

The Bearing Walls of Creative Writing 2

A character's intention prompts their actions, and actions move the story line. At the center of every interesting story lies purpose.

What makes a character to act a certain way, speak, decide, or resist?

Actions should be tied to reason, whether it is clearly stated or subtexted, because intention creates direction.

Creating characters with motive makes them static, and a static character may weaken the progress.

Another technique that sustains a story beyond its movement is narrative consequence.

Let us know: 

× What changes because of what?

× What are the implications of certain decisions and statement?

× What remains unchanged even after actions were taken to change it? 

× And what changed instead?

Some moments/scenes in the story should leave something behind:

♪ A difference in behaviour 

♪ A realization

♪ A loss/gain

♪ A deterred relationship

♪ A step closer to or further from a goal.

Without consequence, story drama may have no lasting effect.

It exists, but it will not matter beyond the moment.

Character intention pushes the story forward.

Narrative consequence ensures certain moments matter for good or bad.

The former creates movement.

The latter creates impact.

They're the bearing walls holding up the continuity and significance of storytelling.

In the next part, we talk about atmosphere and setting pressure.