The process of expanding an idea from its seed into a fully developed story ready to write. Developing story is often a lengthy journey, requiring months and sometimes years before an idea develops into a script that’s pitchable. There are no one-size-fits-all methods of developing a story, but there are some approaches that can help writers get over the notorious writer’s block.
Character Development
To have a successful plot, your characters must be well-developed. This includes defining their backstory, motivations, and personality traits. It also means creating a strong conflict arc for them. A character arc is an internal sequence of challenges that your protagonist faces, leading to their growth. If your protagonist learns things about their world or other people, but not something about themselves, this is a sign that there’s a problem with the character development.
Setting Development
When developing a story, you must consider the setting in which it takes place. For example, a sunny day in a park with grassy hills and open space will cast a different mood than a rainstorm in a dark forest with crooked, gnarled trees and low-hanging fog. It’s also important to consider the time period in which your story takes place. If it’s set in medieval Europe or the 1960s, for instance, your dialogue will need to reflect that.
A good story requires a variety of characters to add depth and intrigue. Characters should have their own personal backstory, which you can develop by using your research. You can also differentiate your characters by tagging them with speech mannerisms, phrasings and belief systems.
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