10 Tips for The Middle of Your Story
Is the middle of your story slow, confusing or unclear? Here are 10 quick things to consider when writing your story’s middle:
1) Have your character(s) try and fail. Progress and setbacks create a story. Wrap your reader in the suspense of if your protagonist will actually reach their end goal.
2) Weave in your subplots. Subplots should not only run parallel with your main plot, but also intertwine within it. Don’t forget or neglect them! Choose subplots that compliment or contrast your main story.
3) Make sure your protagonist has a clear goal that powers the plot. Don’t forget about your side characters, either. Giving them goals can add realism to their character while also impacting the story.
4) More, more, MORE obstacles. This could include:
- Physical obstacles (terrain, actions of the antagonist, wounds)
- Mental obstacles (self-doubt, flaws, emotions)
- Relationship obstacles (arguing, fighting, betrayals)
5) Do NOT make things easy for your protagonist. The middle is the time for struggles and drama, but also fun and games. This is essentially the heart of your story. When one conflict is solved, an even bigger one arises. Your protagonist must fall and get back up. Torture them, reward them and watch them grow.
6) Strengthen existing characters and introduce new ones. New characters can bring conflict, drama, solutions to the story. Overall, they make your readers curious about who they are and if they’re here to stay.
7) Show your character’s flaw in action. Put them in situations where their flaw only worsens the scenes. Overtime, they begin to realize their faults and will develop (positively or negatively) as you near the end.
8) Don’t forget about your theme. To keep your story consistent, never lose sight of your themes.
9) Consider adding a ‘false’ climax towards the end of the middle. This is an event that imitates the real climax, but instead of things going well for your protagonist, they end up failing. This can be followed by your character’s “darkest hour”, where they give up all hope before regaining it and proceeding to the real climax.
10) Consider adding a Mac Guffin. An object, item or idea that motivates your characters. They need to obtain this object to reach their goals. Finding a key to open the door, piecing together a map to get to the treasure, etc.
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