Ok, so now should I make the main character be forced to change right after I explain his situation?

by John
(Utah)

Question: Thanks you so much for the feedback on my last question Glen! But on the note of characters:


The main character in my story is a new leader, (He suddenly had to take the place of Captain, after his predecessor died) And he's been trying his hardest to hold the city together for about a month. This is where the book starts, at the end of the month in which he's been totally stressed out, and feels like he isn't ready to be leading a city.

So like right after I explain that to my readers, a small situation comes up that shows the typical way that he has handled things for the past month. But then, a new character comes to help the main character in leading the village.

The main character gets all relieved that finally his burden will be a bit lighter. But then something really bad happens, the city gets attacked, and one of the main character's dearest friends get killed, and an important item gets stolen.

So the main character, and a small group of other characters set out to reclaim the stolen item and avenge their friend. And on the way, the main character discovers how to be a true leader.

Is that kind of what you meant by Act 1, 2, 3, 4? Should I change it? Is it too rushed at the start?

Answer: First, regarding your opening, I would suggest you open with the "small situation" that shows how your main character does things. In the course of telling that, you can fill the reader in on the details of his situation. It's always best to eliminate preamble and get right into the story.

Judging from what you're telling me, I would call everything leading up to the moment when your hero sets off on his journey Act 1. Act 2 would be the journey, with various challenges and complications, both external, internal, and interpersonal.

Act 3 would be the even more daunting task that awaits him at the end of the road (the climax - will he recover the stolen item? Will he do it without losing any more friends?).

Act 4 would be the aftermath. Was it successful? Was it worth it? What is life like in the end?

Hope that helps.

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Thanks!
by: Anonymous

Thanks Glen! that answered my question. Now I'm thinking that I could spend the first two pages explaining a little about their world (Of course I'm not going to go into any real details) and how the main character feels suddenly being in charge.

Then, immediately after, the small situation will come up that will enforce what I'd just wrote about in the beginning. Thus giving the readers a "see what i mean?" feeling. Then I'll move on to the events leading up to the hero's journey.

Thanks again! You helped me alot.

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