How to Write Story Obstacles
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
Every good story is filled with conflict, tension, and story obstacles that the characters must overcome in order to achieve their goals. From simple conflicts to life-changing dilemmas, these obstacles are what keep readers hooked and invested in the plot. As an expert on writing and publishing, I've had my fair share of experience in creating these story obstacles. In this article, I'll share everything you need to know about crafting compelling story obstacles that maintain tension throughout your novel plot, memoir structure, or short story.
What are Story Obstacles?
Story obstacles are the challenges that the characters face (especially the protagonist) throughout the plot. These obstacles come in many forms and can range from an external conflict (such as fighting a physical battle) to an internal conflict (such as overcoming personal fears or a character misbelief). Their purpose is to create conflict, raise the stakes, and ultimately elevate the story to a whole new level. The essential goal of story obstacles is to make readers care.
Types of Story Obstacles
To craft a compelling story obstacle, you need to have a clear understanding of the key ingredients that make story conflict and tension effective. These include tension, stakes, and believability. Tension refers to the emotional weight of the obstacle and the level of conflict it creates. Stakes refer to the consequences of failing to overcome the obstacle, and these must be personal to the character and affect them (and therefore the reader) in a very real way. Believability refers to the authenticity of the obstacle, and how you foster relatability between the character and your reader.
Story Obstacles and Character Wants and Needs
The best story obstacles are those that intersect with character wants, also called the character objective, and needs. They should challenge the protagonist's goals and force them to face their fears, weaknesses, and flaws. By doing so, you can create opportunities for growth and character development that ultimately shape the trajectory of the plot.
Story Obstacles and Character Relationships
Another key aspect of crafting compelling story obstacles is how they play into various character relationships. The obstacle should arise from the interaction between the characters, whether it's a clash of personalities or a deeper conflict that stems from their pasts, secrets, or value systems. Creating story obstacles from ideological or theme-based ideas adds depth and complexity to the characters and creates a more engaging and dynamic story.
Story Obstacle Execution for Maximum Emotional Impact
To execute story obstacles for maximum emotional impact, writers must pay attention to character and action beats. Character beats refer to the inner emotional struggles that the characters face while action beats refer to the external actions they take to overcome the obstacle. By combining these two elements, writers can create a powerful and emotional experience for readers.
Common Mistakes with Story Obstacles
While crafting compelling story obstacles can be challenging, there are also common mistakes that you need to know about so that you can avoid them. These include using clichés, lack of believability for the story obstacles you’ve chosen, and obstacles that are either too easy or too impossible to overcome. Readers want to see characters struggle, yet if the obstacle seems too difficult, they might lose interest as well. It’s a balance. It's important to constantly evaluate and refine your story obstacles to ensure they are effective and engaging and contribute to high stakes for your characters.
Crafting compelling story obstacles is an essential aspect of writing great fiction. By understanding the key ingredients, intersections with character wants and needs, relationships, execution, and common mistakes, aspiring writers can create stories that keep readers hooked and invested until the very end. Remember, each genre of novel or short story is different in terms of plot expectations, so it's important to know and honor the unique needs of your story and its target audience. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to crafting captivating and unforgettable story obstacles.
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