In chess, the Queen stands to the right of the King. Her major job is that of protecting the King. The dilemma of preventing the King’s capture rests upon the Queen’s head.
As such the Queen‘s movements are central to winning the game of chess.
Establishing the major dilemma or problem in a story is essential to crafting fiction. The central problem inherently creates desire. And desire begets a series of actions that through cause-and-effect propel the narrative line–the plot.
Plot-driven stories answer the “What if?” question thereby directly conveying plot. Character-driven stories answer the questions, “Who? and Why now?”
From the personality of the of the central character rises and internal dilemma that determines behavior and reveals through a set of circumstances, often usual and common place, but no less bothersome and terrifying, a shift in way of behaving and perceiving the world.
This change or transformation emerges through a series of reactions and actions, again cause-and-effect set into motion by the protagonist’s personality, not so much the series of action themselves.
In this way the character-driven plot resembles that of the Queen’s aim and motive throughout chess. Perhaps this is why chess has been said to be the game of monarchs and aristocrats.
The lifestyles and perceptions on the world shape the actions of both, their goal being that of maintaining their wealth and power, in essence preventing capture.
Social and economic position combined with politics exert much force upon shaping the personalities of monarchs and aristocrats.
The principles of place and stature in society, persona, shapes intent, thoughts and actions more than individual desires.
Governed by a code of behavior like the laws ruling the movements of chess pieces, of which the Queen is the most powerful, the life of monarchs and aristocrats takes on the properties of a chessboard, ordered and clear, but with much thought and emotions underlying each action and movement.
The goal remains that of protecting the King from capture. The King‘s safety being what is at stake.
Every person stands as the King of her or his universe. Their goals and desires shape their actions. That which presents the greatest threat to her or his hopes and wishes serves as the opponent.
Learn the history of your character’s life and you uncover their antagonists and obstacles, both external and internal, and those of the present and past.
The history of chess is that of a game with 13 characters or pieces, the goal of which is for each player to protect her or his King from capture while seeking to take hostage the King of the opposing player.
What is the history of your central character?
What is personality of your protagonist?
Describe the perspective on the world that your central character holds?
How does this angle on life provide strength or an obstacle to accomplishing goals?
Who is your protagonist?
What does your central character desire and most want?
What life incident stands out in her or his life?
Why are you writing this story?
How important is it that you craft this piece of fiction?
What is at stake for both your protagonist and you as the writer?
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