Character Development and Internal Conflict

The video tutorial by Shar, a fiction writing coach, guides writers on crafting complex characters. It emphasizes the importance of internal conflict, character backstory, and ensuring characters drive the plot. The tutorial also highlights the need for balancing character virtues and flaws to create relatable and engaging characters. Shar shares personal experiences and provides practical tips for writers to develop characters that resonate with readers.

Why is it important for characters to feel like real people to readers?

• To make the story more relatable and engaging.

• To ensure the book is a bestseller.

• To simplify the writing process.

• To avoid having to create a plot.

What is the core element that every successful story shares?

• A complex plot.

• Layered, irresistible characters.

• A unique setting.

• A surprising twist.

What is internal conflict in character development?

• A character's struggle with external forces.

• A character's journey through different settings.

• A character's internal struggle or flaw.

• A character's relationship with other characters.

Why is internal conflict crucial for a story?

• It ensures the story has a happy ending.

• It provides a reason for the character's existence.

• It makes the plot more complex.

• It helps in world-building.

How can you identify a character's internal conflict?

• By describing their daily routine.

• By detailing their physical appearance.

• By focusing on their relationships.

• By giving them a struggle or flaw from their past.

What should an author know about a character's backstory?

• Their future plans after the story ends.

• Their favorite color and food.

• Only the events that influence their current behavior.

• Every detail from birth to present.

What risk does an author face if they don't develop a character's backstory?

• The story may lack a clear setting.

• The plot may become too complex.

• The character may become too relatable.

• The character may feel one-dimensional.

Why should characters lead the plot?

• To avoid character development.

• To ensure they have their own sense of agency.

• To simplify the writing process.

• To make the plot more predictable.

What is a potential outcome of overly flawed characters?

• They become more relatable.

• They make the story more engaging.

• They may become unlikable to readers.

• They simplify the plot.

What is the danger of creating characters who are too perfect?

• They make the story more exciting.

• They become unrelatable.

• They simplify character development.

• They enhance the plot.