Have you ever got so involved in a story and thought you are on the edge of your seat because of the heart-stopping twists? Or maybe you were driven to cheer for the characters because they were so realistic and multi-layered. All of this comes down to the two main types of storytelling: plot-driven and character-driven story.
Fast-paced action, dramatic stakes, and unexpected happenings are what makes some stories grip the audience. However, which is best? Is it an unexpected plot that genuinely grabs people, or unforgettable characters that make a story stand out?
Well, it’s both! These storytelling types have their strengths–it all just depends on what kind of experience you want to create. This article has highlighted differences, examples and key takeaways of character-driven vs. plot-driven stories to see which one is really better.
Plot-Driven Story
A plot-driven story is a type in which the character’s actions, the conflicts they create and manage with the outside world like their responses to their environment. Richly portrayed character development is certainly possible in plot-driven stories, but the primary emphasis is on the events occurring outside of the characters’ brains instead of inside.
Character-Driven Story
A character-driven story analyzes the inner lives and evolution of the characters. Why do characters make the decisions they do, and what’s going on behind the surface? What drives and haunts them? What brings them comfort and peace? How do they develop and transform into a round figure from a flat one? Do they build and evolve in any way? A effectively written character-driven story can aim to address each of these questions.
Key Differences of Plot-Driven vs. Character-Driven Stories
Now that you have an idea about plot-driven vs character-driven story. Further, let’s look at some key differences that set both of them apart.
- Plot-driven book stories are focused on the characters’ external lives and character-driven stories emphasize the characters’ inner lives.
- Character-driven stories can explore how a character struggles or makes decisions. Plot-driven stories focus the intricate details of events as they unfold.
- While plot-driven stories grow in action-packed genres like fantasy, mystery, crime, sci-fi, and adventure, character-driven stories frequently predominate in literary fiction.
Tips for Writing Plot-Driven and Character-Driven Stories
Every great story, whether plot-driven or character-driven book, entices readers in its own way. But what makes a story truly stand out? Here are key tips to nail both approaches.
Writing a Plot-Driven Story
You need a story that keeps readers interested. Here’s how you can write a plot-driven book story:
Begin With a Compelling Hook: What is the hook that enhances your story? Make it impossible to ignore—a daring mission, a secret, or a struggle for existence!
Map Out Important Events: Stories with a plot depend on structure. List the main turns, twists, and climactic moments to maintain a tight pace.
Maintain the High Stakes: Each chapter must have a distinct goal. To keep things moving forward, keep raising the stakes for difficulties, disputes, or dangers.
Make Every Scene Matter: Slow moments are scarce. Every scene must enhance the plot through action, conflict, or revelations.
Create Purposeful Characters: Your characters should have arcs, conflicts, and motivations that correspond with the events of every story.
Writing a Character-Driven Story
When the characters, emotions, and personal growth are the key pointers of your story, focus on creating complex, realistic individuals. How? Let’s look at them:
Develop Multi-Dimensional Characters: Give them weaknesses, anxieties, wants, and strengths. They should seem familiar to readers.
Build Real Relationships: Show interactions that seem real, whether they are tense rivalries, enduring friendships, or intricate love stories.
Let the Characters Drive the Plot: Allow your characters’ decisions, fears, and motivations to show and enhance the plot by forcing events.
Put Growth First: A gripping plot is essential. By the end of the story, how has your protagonist changed? Their metamorphosis needs to appear merited and satisfying.
Examples of Plot-Driven vs Character-Driven Story
Not sure what to pick plot-driven or character-driven stories? Let’s break down some well-known book examples.
Plot-Driven Books
The Da Vinci Code: Every detail is suspicious and every answer provided is questionable while there are impressive societies, intense fights, and dangerous enigmas to solve in this complex thriller. It is the plot that goes through excessive changes and things become interesting much in the same way when one water twists a ‘Da Vinci’ puzzle.
Jurassic Park: Dinosaurs are reincarnated and danger occurs at almost every corner. Considered fiction, Jurassic Park has been made captivating for readers through its thoughtful characters even as the frozen plot keeps readers engrossed.
The Hunger Games: Besides the impressive character of Katniss who is a very strong female role, is the story’s survival game turned political drama, stunning revelation, and action which one cannot resist watching.
World War Z: A story of the end of the world, narrated in parts from several angles and from a global view featuring zombies. The book is primarily about events instead of the development of a single character.
Character-Driven Books
The Catcher in the Rye: A novel based on character, follows the rebellious Holden Caulfield on his quest to find himself amid the confusion and hypocrisy of identity, youth, and culture. Emotions and ideas are more crucial in it than the action itself.
To Kill a Mockingbird: The story focused on a flight made by Scout Finch to discern the just, the unjust, and morality.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Central focus lies in Charlie’s friendships, internal battles, and self-identity rather than on the society around him. A touching story about an aged person finding his way back to the world after losing everything. The more he changes, the more the story moves.
Pride and Prejudice: Growth in Elizabeth Bennet’s character and changing views on love and social class are what propel this excellent novel forward.
Can a Book Be Both?
Some books seem to pull off strong plots with deep character development. Here are a few books that can be character or plot driven story.
Harry Potter Series: Books are entirely character-driven, through the friendships, and personal growth of Harry. The depth of the story is driven by the plot and struggle against Voldemort.
The Lord of the Rings: Other than the grand adventure and warfare against Sauron, there’s a lot of character development for Frodo as he tries to resist the power of the ring.
The Great Gatsby: An interesting fusion between the both of: extreme parties and criticisms of society (plot-driven) form the setting for Gatsby’s obsession with the past (character-driven).
In A Nutshell!
A story with a plot may be your best bet if you like creating intricate narratives with suspenseful turns. A character-driven book approach would, however, be more appealing if you are willing to delve extensively into character psychology and personal growth.
However, the best stories often blend the two. An interesting plot and well-developed characters keep readers engaged and emotionally invested. Why not marry the strengths of both in one place?
Do you need more guidance on your writing journey or insights into storytelling? Visit Collett Thorpe for expert guidance and motivation.
