3T Writing Tidbit

Goal. Conflict. Disaster/Resolution.

The clearest example of this structure (and easiest to show) is usually the outer or external goal. I need to get to the other side of the room and out the door. I need to ace this job interview to land this job.

But external goals are driven and made richer by internal goals, which aren't always as easy to show. For example...

I need to get to the other side of the room and out the door -- without falling on my face because I'm 1 month sober and my ex is watching and oh God my ego won't stand another scathing, crushing comment from him, always made worse because I'm afraid he's right.

I need to ace this job interview to land this job -- because otherwise there won't be food on the table and how can I tell my children we have to move again?

The internal goals are often things the character is afraid to confront. Notice in the first example there's the internal desire to show up the ex and shrug off his comments, but the fear that she deserves them is getting in the way. That struggle is emotional, which is why the inner goal enriches the outer goal and makes the character more understandable and relatable.

Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.