B Plot

For those who follow me on Twitter, you know that I ask many plot and character-related questions. I do so to help writers think about their stories, the finer details and encourage conversation about the topic.

I was asked to compile a list of questions to help authors develop their characters and plot. Below is the list. Please note that after most questions, you can also ask why and why not.

Courtesy of the requester of this post: Would you be comfortable on a bus with the characters of your WIP?

• Does your MC return to their hometown?
• Does your MC run for public office?
• Does your MC perform any charitable work? If so, which?
• What takes up most of your MC’s day?
• How much sleep does your MC get?
• What is your MC’s biggest regret?
• What is your MC’s most significant accomplishment?
• What is your MC’s deepest emotional pain?
• What does your MC say when they stub their toe?
• What does your MC do when they’ve cut themselves preparing food?
• Does your MC take any health supplements? If so, which ones?
• Does your MC have a best friend?
• Does your MC have a frenemy?
• Does your MC have a work rival?
• Does your MC have any savings?
• Does your MC have a hidden talent?
• Does your MC stargaze?
• How has your MC’s disposition changed in the last ten years?
• How has your MC’s disposition stayed the same in the last ten years?
• How does your MC keep their fingernails/toenails?
• How does your MC keep track of appointments?
• What is one thing your MC has never forgotten about their childhood?
• If your MC were to get into a car, where would they sit?
• What is your MC’s favourite mode of transport?
• What is your MC’s least favourite mode of transport?
• What does your MC do on their day off?
• What is your MC’s favourite article of clothing?
• What is your MC’s least favourite article of clothing?
• Does your MC recycle gifts, throw gifts out, or keeps unwanted gifts?
• Which unwanted gift does your MC receive that your MC regularly throws out?
• What does your MC do with a scented candle?
• What does your MC do with take-out (food takeaway) containers once the food is eaten?
• What is one spice your MC can’t live without?
• What is one spice your MC hates?
• What is your MC’s preferred method of communication?
• What is your MC’s preferred method of work?
• What is your MC’s preferred method of relaxing?
• Which sport does your MC excel at?
• Which activity does your MC struggle with but enjoy doing?
• Which leisure activity does your MC despise?

Which question did you find most beneficial for your writing? Please reach out to me on Twitter @reneegendron

Thank you, @0CarlGriffin0, for the suggestion for the post.