Lesson #3: Which comes first? The characters or the plot? 

Before we start outlining your characters’ backgrounds, personalities, and appearances, I want to address a common question. Which should you outline first: your characters or your plot?

Well, all writing is subjective and there is no ‘best’ method — which is a good thing. Not every writer’s creative process is identical, so the order is all up to you and will be dictated by your muse. However, to get your wheels turning, here are the main pros and cons of developing character or plot outlines first.

‘Plot First’ Method

Pro: Select the perfect characters for the job

Plotting first is especially helpful if your novel takes place in a fantastical or futuristic world. Knowing the plot’s setting and events gives you a better idea of what sorts of people inhabit that world, how they act, and their day-to-day experiences. As you unravel your plot, you may realize exactly which type of character will fit best within it. If your plot requires someone highly skilled in combat or computer hacking, you have the basis for your protagonist.

Con: Character realism may suffer

Be careful not to let the needs of a complex plot force you to cram together an unrealistic hodge-podge of traits into your lead characters. You’ll need to shape your character’s background and motivations to suit the course of your plot, but not at the risk of creating a character whose complexities make no sense. On the flip side, if you fail to match character with plot, your readers may end up asking, “Now, why would the protagonist do that? That doesn’t sound like them.” 

‘Character First’ Method

Pro: Character motivations and personalities naturally fuel the plot 

As you outline a character’s motivations, you’ll uncover what situations would cause them the most conflict. You’ll also learn how they react to situations and interact with each other. This can help you turn a general plot idea into a complex web of biting conflicts, high stakes, and exciting, realistic dialogue. If ever you get stuck along your plot trajectory, you can use character maps to fuel a new idea. 

Con: Aspects of character may be difficult to pinpoint without a larger knowledge of plot

If your plot is just a vague idea like “noir mystery” or “post-apocalyptic,” you may have trouble pinpointing the nature of your characters’ backgrounds. You need, at least, a semi-developed idea of plot trajectory to fully understand your characters’ lives and the traits they need to survive your plot. 

Whichever method you select, don’t let either aspect (character development or plot) overshadow the other. Spend time on both elements before you work on your first draft. 

So now that we’ve addressed that pressing question, we can start outlining our characters in tomorrow’s lesson. See you then!

Hannah 

Recommended Resources

• 8 Character Development Exercises to Help You Nail Your Character (blog)
• Character Motivation: How to Write Believable Characters (blog)

Brought to you by Hannah Sandoval

Hannah Sandoval is a freelance ghostwriter and copy editor who has worked on over two dozen manuscripts, and a published author herself. Her guilty pleasures are Rocky Road ice cream and crime TV shows. If you would like to connect with her to discuss assistance with your manuscript or character outlines, check out her Reedsy profile.​

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