A reluctant protagonist is a main character who doesn’t actively choose their objectives and behaviors. While they might fit very well into your brilliant plot, they also make it less compelling. Here are four ways for you to prevent and remedy reluctant protagonists. Choose what works best for you and your manuscript.
Scrutinize each action your protagonist takes.
Does it result from who the character is or wants to be, while responding naturally to the plot? If the idea for your plot arrived before you fleshed out your main character, don’t simply force the character through the plot’s paces. Imagine in detail the kind of person who would do what the plot demands. Accept that wherever your protagonist and plot diverge, either you must allow the character to change the plot or you must alter who the character is.
Jazz up your protagonist.
You may have developed a main character who is naturally fearful, skeptical, or hesitant—perhaps one who tends toward observation and introspection. Let’s be honest: it’s difficult to interest readers in a protagonist who exercises little power over their circumstances, and it’s difficult to develop a compelling plot around such a character. Consider making changes to this person’s nature. Otherwise, dig deep so you can find what makes this person tick—the thing that drives them to act—and bring that to the surface of the story.
Focus on who your protagonist is rather than who they are not.
If you and your readers know more about what your main character doesn’t do, doesn’t like, and doesn’t want than what they want, choose, and freely do, then you need to reframe this character in positive terms. Does the protagonist hate mint chocolate-chip ice cream because it led to her grandmother breaking her hip? Ask what kind of ice cream she does like (Neapolitan) and why (she likes the contrast of simple flavors). Explore the positive motivations (fierce love and loyalty) that would cause someone to swear off an ice-cream flavor after one childhood incident.
Remove explanations.
Try deleting any conversations or thought processes in which your protagonist must be convinced (or convince themselves) to do something. Notice if your plot and protagonist are stronger as a result. Perhaps your main character isn’t so reluctant after all! Is it possible that you are worried readers won’t take your plot seriously, and that’s why you’re trying to convince your character? Be bold! Tell your story—no holds barred.
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