Writing Roots

S44E3 – During Act I: The Interior Plot

The first act is a key piece in establishing your character. It’s during this time that you need to show who they are, what they want, and what they believe about themselves and the world. The most growth for the character through the story will happen because of the internal struggle you create for them at this point.
In this episode, we take a look at how to craft the beginning interior plot for the main characters.
First aired June 8, 2023.

S44E2 – During Act I: The Exterior Plot

Plots often have two aspects: interior and exterior. The exterior part is often the main conflict with a villain or antagonist of some kind. In most kinds of fictional stories, the exterior plot will be the focus, especially near the beginning as we are getting introduced to the characters. It’s the exterior plot that holds the hook and inciting incident.
In this episode, we break down what happens in the external plot during Act I of a story.
First aired June 5, 2023.

S44E1 – Plot: Before Act 1

We are on to our third pillar of storytelling: plot. Even pantsers need to have a plot to their story. But what is a plot? What happens when? Throughout this series, we’ll look at the plot in the three act structure, breaking down the steps along the way so you can apply it to whichever structure you’re using.
Some things in your story happen before the first chapter even begins. There’s a whole history of how the world came to be and become what it is when the events start. While you don’t necessarily need to put those down on the page, there are some things you should know as you begin.
In this episode, our hosts take a look at what happens before the first act, including what happens in a prologue.
First aired June 1, 2023.

S43E9 – Characters: Inanimate Objects

Not all characters have to have a speaking role to be influential to the plot. One type of character you may consider is an inanimate object. These can have some external influence, such as The One Ring, or simply exist as a comedic relief.
Listen to this episode for a breakdown of how to use objects as characters, their common tropes and roles, and why it can help in your storytelling process.
First aired May 29, 2023.

S43 Bonus – Successes and Failure of the Characters

Each character needs both successes and failure. This is important especially for your main protagonist(s). They need to struggle, to fight, but they also need the occasional spot of hope that helps them continue on.
In this bonus episode, we talk about how to create successes and failures for your characters whether you’re a plotter or pantser.
First aired May 27, 2023.

S43E8 – Characters: The Greek Chorus

The Greek Chorus is a character type most often used, but least often recognized outright. In a few examples, such as Disney’s Hercules, the Greek Chorus is literal. In others, this type of character is melded with another character type. What you as the author needs to know, is that this character is essential in helping your reader understand what’s happening.
Whether they’re asking questions the readers will inevitably be asking, or providing a narrative framework, consider including a Greek Chorus for your readers.
First aired May 25, 2023.

S43E7 – Characters: The Society

A society can be its own kind of character within a story, designed to be the support system for the main character. It can be the team for a heist, the organization of magic users, an underground network, or a leadership council.
Whatever role they play within the structure of the world, there are a few things you should know about the typical role of the society that will help you develop one for your story.
First aired May 22, 2023.

S43E6 – Characters: The Villain’s Chorus

Bad guys need helpers. These can be characters to help carry out their plan, to be roadblocks for the protagonist, or even to be the comedic relief. There are many uses for the Villain’s Chorus.
Like the Greek Chorus, these are usually secondary and tertiary characters. They fill the ranks and help the antagonist appear to have power and control, even if it’s simply one character. They aren’t limited to being minions, though. Listen for more ideas on common tropes and traits to include with the supporting cast of your villain.
First aired May 18, 2023.

S43E5 – Characters: The Comedic Relief

Even if you’re telling a grim story, having a character to fulfil the role of comedic relief can go a long way in holding your readers. This character breaks tension, is usually likeable, and serves the story in a unique way.
In this episode, we talk about common tropes and uses for the comedic relief to help you as you craft the perfect cast of characters.
First aired May 15, 2023.

S43E4 – Characters: The Secret Ingredient

In the process of crafting a story, you may find that you need a character that will turn the tides. Not your main character or maybe not even one of their crew. What you need is a secret ingredient that for one reason or another helps tip the scales.
This can be a character whose ability was thought useless, or a mistreated helper to the villain. The secret ingredient character plays an essential role in the end of the story. Listen to this episode for more about how to create that secret ingredient in a way that helps the story come together.
First aired May 11, 2023.