> [!cite]- Metadata > 2025-05-13 07:18 > Status: > Tags: [[5 - Atlas/Tags/Character]] [[Fiction]] [[5 - Atlas/Tags/Voice]] [[Technique]] [[Language]] `Read Time: 2m 45s` >**Character → Drama → Voice → Language** 1. **Character drives drama.** Powers: “Character leads naturally into drama.” Compelling characters are defined by the conflicts they face, internal or external. It's the tension between what a character wants and what they need that creates drama and keeps readers engaged. For example, a character whose desires are at odds with their deeper needs will naturally generate internal conflict, which then spills into the external plot. Drama is not just about big events; it's about how those events impact characters and how their choices and reactions drive the story forward. When characters act in ways that are true to their established personalities and motivations, their actions feel both surprising and inevitable, deepening the drama. 2. **Voice drives character.** How a character speaks reveals who they are. A character’s voice-their unique way of speaking, thinking, and perceiving-reveals their personality, worldview, and emotional state. Distinctive voice is achieved through specific word choices, sentence structure, and even the rhythm of their speech Avoiding generic or "stock" voices is crucial. Even if two characters are witty, the _way_ they are witty should differ, reflecting their backgrounds, experiences, and attitudes Deep point-of-view ("POV penetration") allows the narrative to closely mirror a character’s internal experience, making their voice more authentic and immersive 3. **Voice is driven by word‑choice (register) and sentence craft (syntax, cadence).** The nuances of word choice (register) and sentence construction (syntax, cadence) shape how a character’s voice comes across. For example, a terse, staccato rhythm may suggest a no-nonsense or anxious character, while elaborate, flowing sentences might indicate someone reflective or verbose. Sprinkling in unique surface details-favorite words, regionalisms, or habitual phrases-can help further individualize a character’s voice, provided these quirks are used sparingly and meaningfully. ### **Supporting and Debating the Framework** #### **Supporting Views** - Most writing experts agree that character-driven stories are emotionally engaging because the plot emerges from who the characters are, not just what happens to them[2](https://jerichowriters.com/character-driven-vs-plot-driven-stories/)[3](https://nybookeditors.com/2017/02/character-driven-vs-plot-driven-best/)[7](https://www.descript.com/blog/article/using-character-development-to-drive-your-story). - Voice is widely seen as the bridge between the reader and the character, offering insight into both personality and motivation[6](https://mystorydoctor.com/dos-and-donts-for-writing-viewpoint-voice/)[9](https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/how-to-write-a-book-filled-with-voice). #### **Debating and Complicating the Framework** - Some argue that plot-driven stories can be just as compelling, especially in genres where external events are paramount. However, even in these, the most memorable moments often arise from how characters respond to events, reinforcing the primacy of character and voice. - Overly distinctive or extreme voices can become grating or unsustainable in longer works. Moderation and authenticity are key; the best voices are consistent but not monotonous, unique but not distracting. --- ### **Practical Tips from the Articles** - **Develop Backstory:** Understand your character’s history to make their actions and voice believable - **Focus on Internal Conflict:** What your character wants versus what they need is a rich source of drama - **Deepen POV:** Use narrative techniques that get close to the character’s thoughts and feelings for a stronger voice - **Surface Specifics:** Add unique quirks or linguistic habits to distinguish voices, but don’t overdo it - **Observe Real People:** Read autobiographies or listen to real speech patterns to inspire authentic voices --- ### **References** [Meet Pulitzer Prize-Winning Stanford Professor – Richard Powers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUDlpMN-f5w&ab_channel=DavidPerell) [Writing Compelling Characters with Dramatic Personalities : r/writing](https://www.reddit.com/r/writing/comments/vn8qgy/writing_compelling_characters_with_dramatic/) [Character-Driven Vs Plot-Driven Stories: A Guide – Jericho Writers](https://jerichowriters.com/character-driven-vs-plot-driven-stories/) [Character-Driven Vs. Plot Driven: Which is Best | NY Book Editors](https://nybookeditors.com/2017/02/character-driven-vs-plot-driven-best/) [planning - What is the difference between character-driven stories and plot-driven stories? - Writing Stack Exchange](https://writing.stackexchange.com/questions/31574/what-is-the-difference-between-character-driven-stories-and-plot-driven-stories) [Using Dramatica Theory to Improve Your Fiction Writing](https://www.how-to-write-a-book-now.com/using-dramatica-theory.html) [Dos and Don'ts for Writing Viewpoint Voice](https://mystorydoctor.com/dos-and-donts-for-writing-viewpoint-voice/) [Using Character Development to Drive Your Story](https://www.descript.com/blog/article/using-character-development-to-drive-your-story) [Writing Drama Into Your Fiction — Good Story Editing](https://www.goodstoryediting.com/writing-drama) [How to Write a Book Filled With Voice - Writer's Digest](https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/how-to-write-a-book-filled-with-voice) [13.13: Character Voice | Writing Excuses](https://writingexcuses.com/13-13-character-voice/) [[The Three Collisions That Give Stories Their Tension]] [[Building a Character Onion]] [[Sculpting Voice with Register & Syntax]] [[Writing Vivid Description & Animism]] [[Narrative Shape and the Tension Graph]] [[Dialogue as Performance]]