Comments on: Five Ways to Get Your Protagonist to Realize They’re the Problem https://writershelpingwriters.net/2025/04/five-ways-to-get-your-protagonist-to-realize-theyre-the-problem/ Helping writers become bestselling authors Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:28:27 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 By: Marissa Graff https://writershelpingwriters.net/2025/04/five-ways-to-get-your-protagonist-to-realize-theyre-the-problem/#comment-781377 Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:28:27 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/?p=58550#comment-781377 In reply to MINDY ALYSE WEISS.

Mindy, I am cheering right alongside you! Giving the protagonist the power to deliver themselves to their needed ends is what it’s all about, isn’t it? As readers, we want to believe that we too can achieve this same feat in our own lives. A huge thanks for the chance to share craft thoughts today!

]]> By: Marissa Graff https://writershelpingwriters.net/2025/04/five-ways-to-get-your-protagonist-to-realize-theyre-the-problem/#comment-781376 Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:25:51 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/?p=58550#comment-781376 In reply to ANGELA ACKERMAN.

Ah, perfect examples, Angela! Just positioning our characters in places that can shift their perspectives can do the needful. I think this is why “road trip” stories are so effective. When we toss our characters from their comfort zones, we automatically introduce new variables. Thank you for having me stop by!

]]> By: Marissa Graff https://writershelpingwriters.net/2025/04/five-ways-to-get-your-protagonist-to-realize-theyre-the-problem/#comment-781375 Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:23:12 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/?p=58550#comment-781375 In reply to BECCA PUGLISI.

Becca, thanks for your thoughts. So true! We have to give the character time to move from having little power to clenching the power it takes to change their circumstances. Hopefully, some of these approaches make it easier for all of us. A huge thanks for having me today!

]]> By: BECCA PUGLISI https://writershelpingwriters.net/2025/04/five-ways-to-get-your-protagonist-to-realize-theyre-the-problem/#comment-781374 Tue, 08 Apr 2025 13:49:31 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/?p=58550#comment-781374 This is such an important moment. The process of self-realization is such a gradual one; we need to build in many of these reflection opportunities for the process to feel natural. Great tips for getting the protagonist where they need to go!

]]> By: ANGELA ACKERMAN https://writershelpingwriters.net/2025/04/five-ways-to-get-your-protagonist-to-realize-theyre-the-problem/#comment-781373 Tue, 08 Apr 2025 11:06:49 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/?p=58550#comment-781373 Great questions to force self-reflection, Marissa! I think the setting is a great vehicle for epiphanies and we can do a lot by choosing a location that forces them to confront things that are uncomfortable or stop running from their past. For example, if the character is trying to tell themselves that their career is worth sacrificing a relationship/family because deep down a fear of responsibility or abandonment is keeping them from building one, put them in a location where they will be exposed to beautiful family moments, showing them a life they are missing out on.

Or, if they tend to be reckless and irresponsible with money, have them dine at a restaurant owned by someone they grew up with who had fewer advantages than the character. Showing the character an alternative future (good or bad) is a great way to get them to see their life differently and cause self-reflection.

]]> By: MINDY ALYSE WEISS https://writershelpingwriters.net/2025/04/five-ways-to-get-your-protagonist-to-realize-theyre-the-problem/#comment-781371 Tue, 08 Apr 2025 08:18:48 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/?p=58550#comment-781371 Thanks for this helpful advice, Marissa! Yay for powerful protagonists. 🙂

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