Pre-workshop Assignment

1) Write the story line for your novel. For your main plot arc, the story line identifies the primary action of your novel. The story line should read as follows:“This is the story of ______ [protagonist] who wants more than anything to ______ [primary goal], but can’t because ______ [main obstacle standing in character’s way].”Make your character’s goal specific. Goals such as “To become popular” aren’t specific because everyone defines popularity differently—and the result is not concrete or measurable. (How do we know someone has attained this goal?) But “To be elected Homecoming Queen” is specific; readers will recognize the moment the protagonist reaches (or fails to reach) this external goal.Likewise, internal obstacles, such as “He can’t because he’s not emotionally close to his father”), aren’t easily demonstrated through action. But “He can’t because he fights constantly with his father” can be shown in the plot.

2) Identify your plot’s catalyst. (Note the page and chapter.) The catalyst is the stimulus that changes your protagonist’s life from ordinary to extraordinary. It might happen in a moment (the character hears a line of dialogue, receives a phone call, witnesses an accident), or may build during several scenes to a life-altering event. After the catalyst occurs, your protagonist can’t continue on the same path. Now your plot really starts.