by Susan Fenn

Created on: October 19, 2009   Last Updated: October 20, 2009

Before you can learn how to write a character driven story you must know the difference between a plot-driven and a character driven story. Plot driven is where your main plot drives the character's actions. Every major scene is action packed and you leave out as much as possible of the character's emotions, needs, flaws, perks, etc. up to the reader to figure out.

A character driven story includes all of above information while allowing the character's decisions and actions drive the story forward.

An example of both:

Character Driven

Julia walked to the kitchen drawer and pulled a butcher knife. She was tired of being afraid, tired of being attacked, but most of all she was tired of being forced to taste the whiskey on his breath. She downed a glass of Chardonnay to steady her hand and waited in the dark kitchen. The ticking of the clock on the wall driving her closer to her date with murder.

Plot-Drive

Todd came home and slapped his wife across the face. She could smell the whiskey on his breath. He grabbed her by the hair and dragged her through the house into the kitchen, slamming her head into the kitchen cabinet. She fumbled to stand, grabbing onto the handle of a drawer. As she pulled, the drawer pulled and popped out, spilling knives onto the floor around her.

Pacing in front of her, he failed to notice her hands searching for a weapon. Her hand found the handle of a butcher knife. Without thinking, she slammed the knife into his stomach.

To write character driven, you need to know as much about the character as possible. After you've figured out the main plot, you need to know the back story even if you don't write it all into the base story idea.

In a character driven story you want to keep a notebook strictly for character notes. This makes referencing easier as you continue forward with your short story or novel. On the top of each page write the main plot in a single sentence. Then create a bio of your character.

For example:

Main Plot: Julia kills her husband after years of abuse.

Name: Julie Summers

Age: 32 years old

Likes: Sewing, her part time job in a daycare, spending time with her family, cats

Dislikes: the abusive side of her husband, tomatoes, her co-worker Janna, dogs

Flaw: She blames herself for everyone else's downfalls and issues even if she be responsible. She will find a way to blame herself.

Positive: She still feels she has a lot to live for even though her life can be miserable at times. If she could only work a little

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