Developing story is the process of taking a tiny seed of an idea and nurturing it into a fully fleshed narrative with compelling characters, immersive settings and powerful themes—and a gripping plot to boot. Some writers may start by working through character, while others develop the plot first. Either way, developing a story is a long and iterative process that takes time and effort to perfect.
Start by identifying the key characterization elements that will create the story’s core conflict. This includes the goal(s) of the key players, their motivations and the trials they must overcome. From there, explore the underlying moral, philosophical or societal theme and ideas you want to communicate through your story. Often, the underlying theme will emerge through this character-driven process or even during the first draft of the screenplay.
As the story evolves, identify progressive complications that will lead your protagonist to their ultimate decision (or crisis). During this stage, it is essential to maintain flexibility. If an editor decides that a particular subplot is not required or doesn’t resonate with the audience, be prepared to adjust your plan.
It is also a good time to begin considering how one story point influences another, and how plot impacts character, theme and genre. It is important to consider these relationships early on so that your narrative is a seamless whole. This will help ensure that your story’s key points and climax will ring true for your audience.
