{"id":9197,"date":"2025-01-08T07:40:01","date_gmt":"2025-01-08T12:40:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/degfhkjgfjhf.inkitt.com\/?p=9197"},"modified":"2025-02-21T06:20:59","modified_gmt":"2025-02-21T11:20:59","slug":"character-or-plot-whats-more-important","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/writersblog-backend.inkitt.com\/character-or-plot-whats-more-important\/","title":{"rendered":"Character or Plot\u2014What’s More Important?"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

This is a trick question, of course, because both character and plot<\/strong> are crucial for a successful novel. Some people mistakenly think that a character-driven novel is boring<\/strong> or that a plot-driven book is lowbrow<\/strong>, but that\u2019s a false dichotomy. The goal is to craft a story about unforgettable characters<\/strong> going on a compelling journey<\/strong>\u2014one that makes readers eager to finish the book and tell all their friends (or #BookTok followers) to go read it.<\/p>\r\n

Still, when you\u2019re planning your novel, you might ask yourself: What\u2019s more important\u2014character or plot?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Length Matters in the Character vs. Plot Debate<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

\r\n
• Short stories<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\r\n
• Novels<\/strong>, however, require both. Readers need characters they care about<\/strong>, but those characters also need to do something interesting<\/strong> to keep the pages turning.<\/li>\r\n
• If you\u2019re writing long-form fiction, make sure you strike a balance\u2014your plot needs to move<\/strong>, and your characters need to evolve<\/strong> alongside it.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

  Need help sharpening your short fiction skills? Check out this article: Sharpen Your Writing Skills with Short Fiction.<\/em><\/p>\r\n

  Plotter vs. Pantser: What Does Your Writing Style Say About You?<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

  Are you a plotter<\/strong> or a pantser<\/strong>? Writers tend to fall into one of these categories:<\/p>\r\n

  Plotters:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

  \r\n
  • \r\n
    \r\n
    • Know what will happen by the end of the book.<\/li>\r\n
    • Often map out chapters in advance.<\/li>\r\n
    • Tend to focus more on plot<\/strong> since they have a strong sense of story structure from the beginning.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

      Pantsers:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

      \r\n
      • \r\n
        \r\n
        • Write \u201cby the seat of their pants,\u201d discovering the story as they go.<\/li>\r\n
        • Follow their characters\u2019 choices rather than a strict outline.<\/li>\r\n
        • Tend to focus more on character<\/strong>, letting the plot unfold naturally.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

          Neither approach is wrong! Your natural writing style<\/strong> may dictate whether you prioritize character or plot in your first draft. The key is making sure both elements shine by the final version.<\/p>\r\n

          Know Your Weakness: Strengthening Plot or Character<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

          If your book is heavily plotted<\/strong> and beta readers say they don\u2019t \u201cconnect\u201d with your characters, use revisions to:<\/p>\r\n

          \r\n
          • \r\n
            \r\n
            • Add more characterization\u2014flesh out emotions, relationships, and motivations.<\/li>\r\n
            • Improve dialogue to make characters feel more distinct and alive.<\/li>\r\n
            • Weave in backstory subtly to deepen character depth without info-dumping.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

              If your book is rich in character but slow on plot<\/strong>, focus on:<\/p>\r\n

              \r\n
              • \r\n
                \r\n
                • Cutting unnecessary scenes or chapters to tighten pacing.<\/li>\r\n
                • Introducing conflict and stakes earlier to hook readers.<\/li>\r\n
                • Ensuring every scene moves the story forward<\/strong> rather than just exploring a character\u2019s thoughts.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

                  No matter your approach, your first draft is just the beginning<\/strong>. Editing is where you balance character and plot<\/strong> to create a book that fully engages readers.<\/p>\r\n

                  Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

                  Some readers gravitate toward plot-heavy books, while others love deep character studies. Both approaches work<\/strong>, as long as they\u2019re executed well. The best novels combine engaging plots<\/strong> with memorable characters<\/strong>, ensuring readers stay invested from start to finish.<\/p>\r\n

                  So whether you start with a structured outline<\/strong> or let your characters lead the way<\/strong>, just make sure you bring both elements together<\/strong> for a truly compelling story.<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                  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\u2019s a false dichotomy. The goal is to craft a story about unforgettable characters going on a compelling journey\u2014one<\/p>\n

                  Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":11328,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[109,720],"class_list":{"0":"post-9197","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-writing-advice","8":"tag-inkitt-writers-blog","9":"tag-writing-community"},"yoast_head":"\n