What are protagonists?
Protagonists are the main characters of a story. In a love
story, we have two main protagonists, because it takes two to tango. In other genres, like detective and
adventures, you can manage with only one protagonist/hero (think about James
Bond).
While in real life a higher level of compatibility is
necessary for the success of a relationship, in fiction it is the opposite. The
bigger the polarity between your romantic protagonists, the better story you
have.
To create your protagonists, you will need to develop three
major components – the PSE
Traits - for each person:
1. Physical Traits
What do they look like? Define height, body
type, hair/skin/eyes color, dressing style, and physical disability (if they
have).
2. Socio-Economic Traits
Define their financial status and living
standards, level of education, what they do for a living, their cultural
background, and religious practice if they have.
3. Emotional Traits
This component is important for the
development of the story.
-Define what each protagonist needs the
most (which is different from what they say that they want).
-Define what each protagonist fears the
most.
Here are two thoughts to consider when you create your
romantic protagonists:
1.
The key to creating a successful love story is
when each protagonist has what the other needs.
2.
What makes the story interesting is when the
protagonists are scared of what they deeply desire (on the subconscious level).
Example:
In the TV sitcom
Dharma & Greg (1997-2002) though the protagonists both live in San
Francisco, they come from very different backgrounds. Greg Montgomery (Thomas
Gibson) comes from a wealthy and uptight family. Dharma Finkelstein (Jenna
Elfman) comes from a hippie liberal family. Each of them needs what the other
one has. That’s why they stick together, despite the difficulties: Greg needs a
safe place to demonstrate his spontaneous side. Dharma needs law and order in
her chaotic life. The first funny episode of the series does a great job
demonstrating who they are and what they want.
Exercise:
1. Consider movies and stories that you know. Can
you list the PSE traits of the protagonists?
2. Consider romantic movies and stories that
you know. How polar are the protagonists? Can you spot what each needs the most
and how the other can provide it?
3. Think of two romantic protagonists that you
would like to create. What are their PSE traits? What do they need the most
from a partner and how does the other protagonist fulfill that need?
Share your answers and creative ideas in the comments below.
English (United States) ·