This is a trick question, of course, because both character and plot are crucial for a successful novel. Some people mistakenly think that a character-driven novel is boring or that a plot-driven book is lowbrow, but that’s a false dichotomy. The goal is to craft a story about unforgettable characters going on a compelling journey—one that makes readers eager to finish the book and tell all their friends (or #BookTok followers) to go read it.
Still, when you’re planning your novel, you might ask yourself: What’s more important—character or plot?
Length Matters in the Character vs. Plot Debate
- Short stories can get away with focusing more on character, even if the plot is minimal. A deeply engaging character can carry a short piece without much happening.
- Novels, however, require both. Readers need characters they care about, but those characters also need to do something interesting to keep the pages turning.
- If you’re writing long-form fiction, make sure you strike a balance—your plot needs to move, and your characters need to evolve alongside it.
Need help sharpening your short fiction skills? Check out this article: Sharpen Your Writing Skills with Short Fiction.
Plotter vs. Pantser: What Does Your Writing Style Say About You?
Are you a plotter or a pantser? Writers tend to fall into one of these categories:
Plotters:
-
- Know what will happen by the end of the book.
- Often map out chapters in advance.
- Tend to focus more on plot since they have a strong sense of story structure from the beginning.
Pantsers:
-
- Write “by the seat of their pants,” discovering the story as they go.
- Follow their characters’ choices rather than a strict outline.
- Tend to focus more on character, letting the plot unfold naturally.
Neither approach is wrong! Your natural writing style may dictate whether you prioritize character or plot in your first draft. The key is making sure both elements shine by the final version.
Know Your Weakness: Strengthening Plot or Character
If your book is heavily plotted and beta readers say they don’t “connect” with your characters, use revisions to:
-
- Add more characterization—flesh out emotions, relationships, and motivations.
- Improve dialogue to make characters feel more distinct and alive.
- Weave in backstory subtly to deepen character depth without info-dumping.
If your book is rich in character but slow on plot, focus on:
-
- Cutting unnecessary scenes or chapters to tighten pacing.
- Introducing conflict and stakes earlier to hook readers.
- Ensuring every scene moves the story forward rather than just exploring a character’s thoughts.
No matter your approach, your first draft is just the beginning. Editing is where you balance character and plot to create a book that fully engages readers.
Final Thoughts
Some readers gravitate toward plot-heavy books, while others love deep character studies. Both approaches work, as long as they’re executed well. The best novels combine engaging plots with memorable characters, ensuring readers stay invested from start to finish.
So whether you start with a structured outline or let your characters lead the way, just make sure you bring both elements together for a truly compelling story.
