Category: Fiction Writing Guide

Villains play a pivotal role in driving conflicts and challenging the protagonist’s journey. However, not all villains are simply despicable figures; some possess qualities that make them strangely likable. These figures account for some of the most memorable and even empathetic in the medium of storytelling, whether it’s text or video. What is a Likable...

Within the domain of imagination, foils serve as captivating and essential characters that add depth and complexity to narratives. Acting as a contrast to the protagonist, foils highlight the lead character’s qualities, beliefs, and actions through juxtaposition. These individuals can do a lot to move a story forward and to give depth to not only...

Behind every great protagonist lies a remarkable deuteragonist or sidekick. These supporting characters play a crucial role in enhancing the narrative, providing depth, and adding layers of complexity to the story. They usually provide essential elements to a story that gives it more depth and can even take it from one mood to another. So,...

In the sphere of fiction, antiheroes have emerged as intriguing and captivating characters that challenge traditional notions of heroism. Flawed, morally ambiguous, and often conflicted, antiheroes offer a fresh perspective on storytelling. They bring out a number of emotions, cause the reader to think, and can make a story more engaging due to their peculiar...

In the realm of fiction, heroes come in various forms, but the most captivating and relatable ones often possess flaws and vulnerabilities. These fallible heroes, despite their imperfections, manage to captivate readers and keep them invested in their journey because they are so relatable and inspiring at the same time.  What is a Fallible Hero?...

A hero character is a central figure in a story who exhibits extraordinary qualities and abilities that help them to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. They are often brave, selfless, and compassionate, and they are willing to put themselves in danger to help others. However, heroes are also human beings, and they have flaws...

Crafting well-rounded and compelling characters is vital in literary fiction. Create characters with unique backgrounds, motivations, and complexities. Consider their desires, flaws, and inner conflicts. Through authentic characterization, readers can connect emotionally with your story. Tip: Conduct character interviews or write character profiles to delve into their backstory and motivations, enhancing their depth and relatability....

As previously discussed, a theme is a central idea or message that a story conveys. It is what the author is trying to say about the human experience. A plot concept is the overall structure of a story. It is the series of events that happen in the story, and how they are connected. When...

If you already have a character in mind, even a setting, and/or a preferred point of view, you should begin your work by identifying the theme or central idea you wish to explore in your fiction piece. Consider topics that resonate with you and others or societal issues you want to address. The theme will...

A fictional story can begin with any one of its main components. It might be one or more characters, a specific setting or different locations, a plot idea, its point of view, the chief conflict, or its overall theme. Regardless of the initial starting place, these six elements are creatively blended together to produce a...

Unsurprisingly, the origin of fiction is a complex and debated topic. Some scholars believe that fiction originated in oral cultures, as a way for people to pass down stories and traditions. Others believe that fiction originated in written cultures, as a way for people to explore new ideas and possibilities. There is evidence to support...