Fictionary’s Story Elements: POV Goal Internal

Welcome back to The Pencil’s Edge! Today, we explore an essential yet often overlooked aspect of storytelling: the POV Goal Internal. This story element ties directly to a character’s personal struggles or weaknesses, shaping their decisions and adding depth to their journey.

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Why Is the POV Goal Internal Important?

A character’s internal goal is rooted in their weakness or flaw—something that holds them back from fully achieving their external goal. The internal goal defines the character’s personal growth arc and provides readers with an emotional connection to the protagonist. Without an internal goal, characters can feel flat and uninspiring.

When executed well, the internal goal:

• Drives character transformation
• Creates emotional stakes
• Makes the protagonist more relatable
• Enhances tension and conflict

Readers expect the protagonist to change based on their internal struggles. Without this change, the character arc can feel incomplete.

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Using the POV Goal Internal in Fictionary

Fictionary’s Story Map helps track the internal goal across scenes. Here’s how to use it:

1. Identify the Character’s Weakness
   • The protagonist’s weakness should be evident by 15% into the story.
   • If the weakness is absent, enter No IG in the POV Goal Internal element and note it for revision.
2. Look for the Inciting Incident
   • The protagonist’s weakness is often highlighted when their ordinary world is disrupted.
   • If your client has shown the weakness in action before the inciting incident, that’s a strong storytelling choice.
3. Track the Internal Goal Throughout the Story
   • The internal goal should appear consistently throughout the novel, influencing decisions and conflicts.
   • Select Scene Name, POV Character, and POV Goal Internal in the Story Map to see where the internal goal is first introduced and whether it continues.
4. Analyze Character Growth
   • If there’s no significant change in the internal goal by the end, the arc may be underdeveloped.
   • If the character’s internal goal is closed off—positively or negatively—congratulate the writer!

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When to Give Feedback on Internal Goals

Watch for these common issues when reviewing a manuscript:

1. No Internal Goal Present

• If the protagonist lacks an internal goal, their character arc may feel underdeveloped.
• Action: Enter No IG in the element and recommend adding an internal struggle.

2. Unclear or Weak Internal Goal

• If the internal goal is vague, the character’s growth may not feel impactful.
• Action: Suggest refining the internal goal to make it specific and emotionally resonant.

3. Inconsistent Internal Goal

• The internal goal should be consistent throughout the story.
• Action: Identify scenes where the internal goal disappears and suggest reinforcing it.

4. No Closure for the Internal Goal

• If the internal goal isn’t resolved by the end, the story may feel incomplete.
• Action: Recommend revising the final act to ensure a satisfying resolution.

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Advice for Writers on Strengthening the Internal Goal

To refine POV Goal Internal, ask these questions:

• What personal weakness or flaw is holding the protagonist back?
• How does this flaw impact their external goal?
• Does the character actively try to overcome their internal struggle?
• How does this struggle shape their decisions and relationships?
• Is there a clear resolution to the internal goal by the end?

Great characters struggle and evolve. Their internal battle should be just as engaging as their external conflict.

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Final Thoughts

Mastering the POV Goal Internal ensures that characters grow in meaningful ways. By tracking and refining internal struggles, writers can create stories that resonate emotionally and keep readers invested.

Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll explore the next Fictionary Story Element: Goal Related to Plot. Until then, happy writing!