Questions to Ask When Writing a Story
Essential questions to ask yourself when writing a story to develop characters, plot, setting, and themes that create compelling and engaging narratives.
1Who is your main character and what do they want?
Click to see why this works
Who is your main character and what do they want?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding your protagonist's desires drives the plot forward and creates motivation for their actions throughout the story.
2What is the central conflict that will drive your story?
Click to see why this works
What is the central conflict that will drive your story?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Conflict is the engine of story. Identifying the main conflict helps you structure your plot and create tension that keeps readers engaged.
3What is the setting and how does it influence your story?
Click to see why this works
What is the setting and how does it influence your story?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Setting affects mood, character behavior, and plot possibilities. Understanding how your setting impacts the story helps create a more immersive experience.
4What is the theme or message you want to convey?
Click to see why this works
What is the theme or message you want to convey?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Having a clear theme gives your story depth and meaning, helping readers connect with your work on a deeper level.
5What is the point of view and why did you choose it?
Click to see why this works
What is the point of view and why did you choose it?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Point of view affects how readers experience your story. Understanding why you chose a particular POV helps you use it effectively.
6What are the stakes if your character fails?
Click to see why this works
What are the stakes if your character fails?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
High stakes create tension and urgency. Understanding what's at risk helps you maintain reader interest and investment in the outcome.
7What obstacles will your character face?
Click to see why this works
What obstacles will your character face?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Obstacles create conflict and character growth. Planning the challenges your character will face helps you structure your plot effectively.
8How will your character change or grow throughout the story?
Click to see why this works
How will your character change or grow throughout the story?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Character development is crucial for engaging stories. Understanding your character's arc helps you create a satisfying journey for readers.
9What is the tone and mood you want to create?
Click to see why this works
What is the tone and mood you want to create?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Tone and mood affect how readers experience your story. Being intentional about these elements helps create the emotional impact you want.
10What is the pacing and how will you control it?
Click to see why this works
What is the pacing and how will you control it?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Pacing affects reader engagement. Understanding how to control pacing helps you create tension, build suspense, and maintain reader interest.
11What are the subplots and how do they support the main story?
Click to see why this works
What are the subplots and how do they support the main story?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Subplots add depth and complexity. Understanding how they relate to your main plot helps you create a more layered and engaging story.
12What is the climax and how will you build to it?
Click to see why this works
What is the climax and how will you build to it?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
The climax is the story's peak moment. Understanding how to build to it helps you create maximum impact and reader satisfaction.
13What is the resolution and how will you wrap up loose ends?
Click to see why this works
What is the resolution and how will you wrap up loose ends?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
A satisfying resolution ties up plot threads and provides closure. Understanding how to resolve your story helps you create a satisfying ending.
14What are the secondary characters and what roles do they play?
Click to see why this works
What are the secondary characters and what roles do they play?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Secondary characters support the main character and plot. Understanding their roles helps you create a more dynamic and engaging story.
15What is the dialogue style and how will you make it authentic?
Click to see why this works
What is the dialogue style and how will you make it authentic?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Authentic dialogue brings characters to life. Understanding how to write effective dialogue helps you create more believable and engaging characters.
16What are the sensory details that will bring your story to life?
Click to see why this works
What are the sensory details that will bring your story to life?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Sensory details create immersion. Understanding how to use them effectively helps readers experience your story more vividly.
17What is the narrative structure and how will you organize it?
Click to see why this works
What is the narrative structure and how will you organize it?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Structure affects how readers experience your story. Understanding how to organize your narrative helps you create the most effective storytelling approach.
18What are the genre conventions and how will you use or subvert them?
Click to see why this works
What are the genre conventions and how will you use or subvert them?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding genre conventions helps you meet reader expectations while still creating something fresh and engaging.
19What is the target audience and how will you appeal to them?
Click to see why this works
What is the target audience and how will you appeal to them?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Knowing your audience helps you make decisions about language, content, and style that will resonate with your intended readers.
20What is the revision strategy and how will you improve your draft?
Click to see why this works
What is the revision strategy and how will you improve your draft?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Revision is crucial for creating polished work. Understanding your revision process helps you identify and fix problems in your story.
Best Practices for Story Writing
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Start with Character
Develop your characters first. Strong characters drive plot and create emotional connections with readers.
Show, Don't Tell
Use action, dialogue, and sensory details to reveal information rather than simply stating it.
Create Conflict
Conflict drives story. Without conflict, there's no story. Make sure your characters face meaningful challenges.
Revise and Edit
First drafts are rarely perfect. Take time to revise and polish your work to create the best possible story.
Question Sequences
The Character Development Sequence
The Plot Structure Sequence
The Craft Elements Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Start Without Planning
While some writers prefer to discover their story as they write, having a basic plan helps avoid major structural problems.
Don't Ignore Character Development
Characters should grow and change throughout the story. Don't let them remain static.
Don't Rush the Ending
Take time to develop your climax and resolution. Rushed endings can ruin an otherwise good story.
Don't Skip Revision
First drafts are rarely perfect. Don't skip the revision process, which is where good stories become great ones.