Characterisation
Characters influence story. Motivation pushes each character forward due to a catalyst at the beginning of the story that forces them to get involved. As a result of this motivation, a character begins to look towards a goal, and that goal pulls a character towards the climax. The character spine is determined not only by a character’s motivation, but the actions they take as they move towards the goal.
In order for the goal to function well, there are three main requirements:
Something must be at stake that convinces the reader or audience that a great deal will be lost if the main character does not attain the goal. If we don’t believe in the necessity of the character gaining the goal, we won’t be able to root for the character.
A workable goal brings the protagonist in direct conflict with the goals of the antagonist. This conflict strengthens the main character because they now have a worthy opponent, and attaining the goal won’t be easy if someone else is intent on them not achieving it.
The goal should be sufficiently difficult to achieve, so that the character changes while moving towards it. The strongest characters will achieve some extra dimension, or be transformed while going on this journey because the goal cannot be achieved unless that happens. The method by which the character achieves the goal demonstrates their strength and sincerity. Those who say they want something, but won’t do anything to get it are not sincere, and they are difficult to believe in. The stronger the actions and barriers are to achieve the goal, the stronger the character will become.
Characters need these elements to clearly define who they are, what they want, why they want it, and what actions they’re willing to take to get it. If any of these elements are missing, the character becomes confused and unfocused. The reader or audience should also ideally understand or empathise with the protagonist’s predicament, and support them to achieve their goals. While the protagonist does not have to be likeable, or a hero or heroine, they should be fully-developed - in that they have flaws or weaknesses that they have to overcome. The antagonist, as an opponent to the protagonist, can present as either a person, nature, society, or an aspect of the protagonist.
Questions regarding character development:
Is my character motivated by action or by talk? Is there a clear moment when my character enters into the story? Do we know why they begin to act?
What is my character’s goal? Is it compelling enough to move my character through three acts?
Does my character have a worthy antagonist, who gets in the way of them achieving their goal?
What is the antagonist’s goal?
Is my character active or passive in achieving the goal? Do their actions meet the needs of the storyline?
Can I clearly discuss my character spine in a few words? Is it clear how the character spine intersects with the spine of the story?