Category: Fictionary

Welcome back to The Pencil’s Edge.

We’ve all read stories that hook us early, build suspense through the middle, and deliver an unforgettable ending. That kind of pacing doesn’t happen by accident—it’s a product of solid structure, and in the world of story coaching, that means understanding the Story Arc.

Fictionary’s Story Arc isn’t a formula—it’s a framework. A way to make sure your story delivers what readers crave: forward momentum, rising tension, and meaningful change.

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🧭 Why the Story Arc Matters

The Fictionary Story Arc draws from thousands of years of storytelling tradition. It helps writers and editors evaluate a manuscript’s shape, ensuring the key events happen in a sequence—and at a pace—that keeps readers invested.

A compelling story arc includes five pivotal scenes:

1. Inciting Incident
2. Plot Point One
3. Middle Event
4. Plot Point Two
5. Climax

Each event plays a distinct and necessary role in your protagonist’s journey. When one is missing—or out of place—readers may not know why, but they’ll feel something’s off.

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📊 Using the Story Arc Element in Fictionary

When you import your manuscript into StoryCoach, it takes a first pass at identifying these key events. But ultimately, it’s up to you—the writer or editor—to decide which scenes truly anchor the story.

If the automatically tagged key scenes make sense, great! But if not, you can revise:

• Use the Evaluate Page to update scene purposes
• Adjust scene positioning to bring major events into the right ranges
• Use the Visualize Page to track the Story Arc and see how your story flows

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⏱ Ideal Placement of Key Scenes

Here’s a quick reference for where your five key scenes should generally land:

Scene Type	Ideal Range
Inciting Incident	0–15%
Plot Point One	~25%
Middle	~50%
Plot Point Two	~75%
Climax	85–95%

These aren’t rigid rules—they’re guideposts. But straying too far from them without purpose can slow your story or confuse readers.

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🔍 Let’s Look at Each Scene in Detail

1️⃣ Inciting Incident

This is the moment that disrupts your protagonist’s ordinary world and introduces the central problem. 📍 Should occur in the first 15% 💡 Tip: Let readers experience it—don’t just summarize it in backstory.

2️⃣ Plot Point One

The point of no return. Your protagonist decides to engage with the conflict. 📍 Should occur around 25% 💡 Example: Luke Skywalker chooses to leave Tatooine. He’s all in.

3️⃣ Middle (Midpoint Shift)

The story shifts. Your protagonist stops reacting and starts acting. 📍 Occurs around the 50% mark 💡 Example: Dorothy discovers the Wizard is just a man behind a curtain—and changes course.

4️⃣ Plot Point Two

Your protagonist hits a low point. They’ve tried, and things just got worse. 📍 Usually around 75% 💡 Sometimes called: “Dark Night of the Soul” or “All Is Lost”

5️⃣ Climax

The ultimate test. Your protagonist must face their biggest obstacle and determine their own fate. 📍 Typically occurs at 90% 💡 Must Include: The protagonist. This is their moment.

🎯 Resolution

Everything that happens after the climax. Tie up loose ends. Offer payoff. Show change.

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📌 When to Reevaluate Your Arc

Your story may need attention if:

• A key event is missing
• A key event happens too early or late
• A key event feels emotionally flat
• The protagonist isn’t present during pivotal moments

The Story Arc isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about building an emotional journey that lands.

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🧠 Advice for Writers

As you revise your manuscript:

• Map the five key scenes using Fictionary’s Story Arc insight
• Ask: Is my protagonist at the center of each one?
• Consider pacing: Do these events escalate tension and raise the stakes?
• Use scene names and purpose tags to double-check placement and focus

If a scene doesn’t move the arc forward, ask yourself—does it really belong?

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🔄 Final Thought

A great story doesn’t just wander—it builds. It compels. It climaxes. The Story Arc is the narrative engine that makes that possible.

Structure your novel with intention—and give readers a story they’ll feel in their bones.

Welcome back to The Pencil’s Edge.

What’s really happening in this scene? That’s the first question we ask when we arrive at the Scene Name element in Fictionary’s StoryCoach—and it’s a powerful one.

Scene names might seem like a minor detail, but in reality, they’re one of the most revealing tools for understanding the flow and structure of a novel.

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📌 Why Naming Your Scenes Matters

When you name a scene, you’re distilling its essence. You’re identifying the main action, event, or emotional turning point that defines the scene. If you can’t name it clearly and concisely, that’s often a red flag:

• The scene may lack focus
• The scene’s goal may be unclear
• The scene may not actually belong in the story

Naming a scene is like giving it an identity. It makes it easier to track, organize, and evaluate every moment in your manuscript.

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✍️ How to Use the Scene Name Element

Here’s how to approach this story element effectively:

🔹 Keep it short – Limit your scene name to three words or fewer.

🔹 Capture the core – Choose something that immediately tells you what the scene is about.

🔹 Use it as a guide – The collection of scene names becomes an outline you can use to evaluate structure, pacing, and chapter themes.

🔹 Struggling to name it? – That may mean the scene is trying to do too much, lacks purpose, or needs to be broken up.

Pro Tip: Use the Word Cloud in StoryCoach for inspiration. Sometimes the right phrase jumps out when you see the most-used terms in the scene.

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🧩 Scene Names = Story Map

When you name each scene, your Story Map becomes even more powerful. You can visually scan the list to:

✔ Spot pacing issues

✔ Evaluate story progression

✔ Find chapter themes

✔ Reorder scenes for maximum tension

This process isn’t just editorial—it’s visionary. You’re stepping back and asking, “Is my story doing what I want it to do?”

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💬 When to Reevaluate a Scene

If you find yourself stuck trying to name a scene, here are a few possibilities:

• The scene is unfocused and needs tightening
• It contains multiple turning points and should be split
• It’s not connected to the plot or character arc
• It might just not belong in the manuscript

Scene names can help you spot these issues early—before you get too deep into revisions.

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🧠 Advice for Writers

As you revise, ask yourself:

• What is this scene really about?
• What’s the dominant action or emotion?
• If I skimmed the list of scene names, would I grasp the arc of the story?

If not, consider tweaking the names—or even the scenes themselves.

💡 Remember: The scene name is your headline. If the headline doesn’t mean anything, the content probably isn’t hitting its mark.

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✏️ Editor’s Insight

As a story coach or editor, I may suggest:

• Renaming scenes to clarify their purpose
• Flagging scenes that feel unfocused or overly complex
• Recommending scene splits based on tangled events
• Suggesting chapter reshuffling based on thematic unity revealed through scene names

Scene names give you and your editor a shared vocabulary for discussing your story.

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🔄 Final Thought

Think of naming your scenes as reverse-engineering your story’s intention. It’s not just about labeling—it’s about clarity, control, and creativity.

A well-named scene helps you:

• See your story clearly
• Edit with purpose
• And build a stronger connection between your scenes and your reader

So before you move on to the next revision step, ask yourself:

👉 Can I name this scene in three words or less?

If not, it might be time to dig a little deeper.

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Welcome back to The Pencil’s Edge.

Every great story moves—not just in plot, but within the scenes themselves. Motion breathes life into characters, making their emotions tangible and their conversations dynamic. Without movement, even the best dialogue can feel static and lifeless.

In today’s post, we’re exploring Characters in Motion, a Fictionary Story Element that helps writers ensure their characters are engaging not just through words, but through actions.

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Why Is This Element Important?

A scene may feel flat if the characters aren’t physically moving. Two people sitting and talking, even with great dialogue, lacks the energy of a scene where body language, small actions, and setting interactions enhance the conversation.

Consider how motion can influence storytelling:
✔ Adds Tension – If one character is distracted, pacing, or fidgeting, it can heighten tension.
✔ Reveals Emotion – Instead of saying, “I’m angry,” a character can slam a glass onto a table.
✔ Enhances Personality – How a character moves reveals who they are—graceful, clumsy, anxious, confident.
✔ Engages the Reader – Action breaks up dialogue, preventing long blocks of talking heads.

If the Characters in Motion element is set to “No” in too many scenes, it may indicate a lack of energy, tension, or depth.

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Using This Story Element

When analyzing a scene, ask:

• Are the characters actively engaging with their surroundings?
• Does motion enhance the dialogue or tension?
• Is movement showing instead of telling emotions?

💡 Pro Tip: If the characters are sitting and talking for too long, add movement to highlight their mood or relationships.

For example:

🚶‍♂️ Building Tension – A detective interrogating a suspect doesn’t just sit still. He leans forward, taps his fingers, stands abruptly, or paces to unnerve the suspect.

🎭 Revealing Personality – A nervous character may fidget with their sleeves, avoid eye contact, or bite their lip, while a confident one may stand tall and gesture boldly.

😠 Creating Conflict – Instead of saying, “Stop ignoring me!” a frustrated character might slam a door, knock over a chair, or throw a book to demand attention.

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When to Give Advice

As an editor (or self-editor), use the Story Map to track motion in scenes. Here’s when to step in:

1. Characters Are Too Still

• If too many scenes have “No” marked for Characters in Motion, the story may feel static.
• Suggest adding physical movement to enrich the scene.

2. Dialogue Feels Stagnant

• If characters talk without movement, dialogue can become monotonous.
• Recommend subtle actions (sipping coffee, folding laundry, fixing a watch) to add texture.

3. Missed Opportunities for Tension

• If a scene has emotional weight, but characters aren’t physically reacting, tension diminishes.
• Suggest actions that intensify emotions (clenched fists, pacing, sudden stillness before an outburst).

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Advice for Writers

When revising your manuscript, look at scenes where characters aren’t moving. Ask:

✔ How can I add physical movement to reflect their emotions?
✔ Is the scene more engaging with motion, or is the stillness intentional?
✔ Does the motion add subtext to the conversation?

💡 Editor’s Tip: Use motion to add conflict—one character’s actions can frustrate, distract, or challenge another.

For example:

• A character trying to confess something urgent is ignored by someone checking their phone, tidying up, or walking away.
• A teacher scolding a student might drum their fingers on a desk while the student stares at their shoes, shifting from foot to foot.

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Final Review: Is Your Story in Motion?

Check your Story Map to see which scenes lack movement. If too many are marked “No”, consider:
✔ Adding body language to enhance dialogue.
✔ Using motion to escalate conflict or tension.
✔ Rewriting static scenes to incorporate more dynamic actions.

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By tracking Characters in Motion, you ensure that scenes feel real, immersive, and emotionally charged—keeping your readers hooked from start to finish.

🚀 Next Up: We’ll explore Scene Name and how naming scenes helps sharpen focus and clarity. Stay tuned!

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Welcome back to The Pencil’s Edge.

Every story is driven by the protagonist’s transformation—whether they grow, break, or hold firm against life’s challenges. To keep readers invested in this journey, each scene must impact the protagonist in a meaningful way. In today’s post, we’ll explore Scene Impact on Protagonist, a Fictionary Story Element that helps writers track their protagonist’s emotional arc throughout the novel.

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Why Is This Element Important?

A protagonist should never feel static. Even in scenes where they are not physically present, the events of the story should be moving them forward or pushing them back in their external and internal arcs.

The Scene Impact on Protagonist element ensures that every scene contributes to their growth, struggles, or setbacks—ultimately shaping who they become by the story’s end.

Without these emotional shifts, the protagonist risks feeling flat, predictable, or unconvincing, which can weaken the reader’s connection to them.

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Using This Story Element

When evaluating each scene, ask:

1. How does this scene affect the protagonist?
2. Is the impact positive, negative, or neutral?
   • Positive Impact (+): The protagonist moves closer to achieving their story goal or experiences an emotional win.
   • Negative Impact (−): The protagonist faces a setback, an emotional blow, or a new obstacle.
   • Neutral Impact (0): The scene has no real effect on the protagonist’s journey—this can signal a weak or unnecessary scene.

💡 Pro Tip: Even if the protagonist isn’t in a scene, their story goal should still be affected by what happens. If a scene has zero impact on the protagonist, it may not be necessary.

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When to Give Advice

As an editor (or self-editor), use the Story Map to track how the protagonist’s emotional arc unfolds. Here’s when to step in:

1. The Protagonist Feels Flat or Unbelievable

• If a character seems emotionally disengaged, check whether they are reacting to the events around them.
• If they never struggle, doubt themselves, or show vulnerability, they might not feel relatable.

2. Too Many Similar Emotions in a Row

• If a protagonist has a series of “+” scenes, they may not be facing enough conflict or obstacles.
• If they have a string of “−” scenes, the story may feel too heavy or repetitive.
• A mix of highs and lows creates a compelling emotional arc.

3. Neutral Impact (Too Many ‘0’s)

• If a scene does not affect the protagonist in any way, question whether it belongs in the story.
• Every scene should either challenge the protagonist or give them momentum toward their goal.

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Advice for Writers

When revising your manuscript, consider:

• Does the protagonist’s emotional arc match your original vision?
• Have they experienced incremental growth, setbacks, or breakthroughs?
• Are their emotional reactions appropriately timed?
  • Example: If your protagonist starts off afraid of commitment, don’t have them suddenly embrace love too soon. Let them struggle with their fear before overcoming it at the right moment.

Final Review: Is the Emotional Journey Balanced?

Use the Story Map to check your protagonist’s emotional trajectory. A well-structured novel will have a mix of victories, failures, and moments of reflection to create a realistic and engaging character arc.

💡 Editor’s Tip: If the protagonist’s emotional journey feels off, consider adjusting the order of scenes or strengthening their reactions to key events.

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By tracking Scene Impact on Protagonist, writers ensure that their protagonist’s journey is compelling, believable, and emotionally engaging—keeping readers invested until the very last page.

🚀 Next Up: We’ll dive into Characters in Motion, exploring how action and movement influence storytelling. Stay tuned!

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Welcome back to The Pencil’s Edge!

Every scene in a novel should have an impact on the Point of View (POV) character. Whether it’s a moment of triumph, a devastating loss, or a shift in perspective, these emotional beats create a dynamic character arc that keeps readers engaged. In today’s post, we’ll explore Scene Impact on POV Character—a crucial Fictionary Story Element that helps writers track how each scene affects their characters emotionally.

Why Is This Element Important?

It’s impossible to track a character’s emotional journey without analyzing how each scene affects them. Readers connect with characters who grow, struggle, and change, and that emotional depth is built scene by scene. If a character’s emotions remain static or inconsistent, they can come across as flat or unconvincing.

The Scene Impact on POV Character element ensures that every scene moves the story forward—not just in terms of plot, but in terms of character growth.

Using This Story Element

When reading a scene, ask yourself:

• By the end of the scene, has the emotional impact on the POV character been positive or negative?
• If it’s positive, mark it as “+” in your story analysis.
• If it’s negative, mark it as “-”.
• If the scene has no emotional impact, mark it as “0” (but beware—neutral scenes often slow the story down).

For a first-person novel, this element may overlap with Impact on Protagonist, so you may not need to track it separately.

💡 Pro Tip: If your story has multiple POV characters, track each one separately to ensure their emotional journeys are distinct and well-paced.

When to Give Advice

As an editor (or self-editor), use the Story Map to analyze emotional consistency across scenes. Here’s when to step in:

1. Characters Feel Flat – If a character seems emotionally detached or their reactions feel generic, the story might not be diving deep enough into their perspective.
2. Too Many Similar Emotions in a Row – If multiple scenes have the same emotional impact (e.g., a string of + or – scenes), the story may lack emotional variation, making it predictable or draining.
3. No Emotional Impact (Too Many ‘0’s) – If a scene doesn’t affect the POV character in any way, it might not belong in the story. Every scene should move the plot forward or shape the character.

Advice for Writers

When evaluating each scene, ask: Does this emotion match my character’s arc?

• If the character flaw at the start of the story is fear of commitment, don’t let them suddenly embrace love halfway through. Growth should be incremental—small wins, small setbacks.
• If a scene unexpectedly shifts a character’s emotions, make sure it’s earned. Does the change feel natural based on previous events?
• If the protagonist’s arc lacks variation, add emotional highs and lows to keep the reader engaged.

Final Review: Are the Emotions Balanced?

Use the Story Map to check the emotional trajectory of each POV character. A well-paced novel will have positive and negative impacts interwoven, ensuring a compelling emotional arc.

🔎 Editor’s Tip: If too many scenes are marked +, consider adding tension, obstacles, or moments of self-doubt. If too many scenes are marked –, consider adding moments of relief or small victories.

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By tracking Scene Impact on POV Character, writers can create characters that feel real—characters who react, struggle, and grow in ways that keep readers turning the pages.

🚀 Next Up: We’ll explore how Scene Impact on Protagonist takes character tracking to the next level. Stay tuned!

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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!

Welcome back to The Pencil’s Edge! Today, we delve into one of the most essential elements of storytelling: the Character Arc, also known as the Story Goal Tracker. This element ensures that every scene contributes to the protagonist’s journey, pushing them closer to—or further from—their ultimate goal.

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Why Is the Character Arc Important?

The Character Arc is the protagonist’s external journey, tracking how each scene impacts their progress toward the main story goal. This external arc is just as crucial as the protagonist’s internal transformation because it dictates the forward momentum of the story.

In a well-structured novel:

• The protagonist either wins or loses their goal by the end.
• Every scene should move them closer or further from achieving that goal.
• No scene should be neutral—if it doesn’t impact the protagonist, it doesn’t belong in the story.

By carefully crafting the Character Arc, writers ensure that the story remains engaging, dynamic, and meaningful.

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Using the Character Arc in Fictionary

Fictionary’s Story Goal Tracker helps visualize the protagonist’s progress through the Evaluate Page. Here’s how it works:

1. Identify the Protagonist’s Story Goal
   • The blurb or synopsis should provide clues about the protagonist’s main goal.
   • If the protagonist isn’t clear, ask: What is the main objective driving the story?
2. Assess Each Scene’s Impact on the Goal
   • Assign a Positive, Negative, or Neutral impact to every scene.
   • Positive: The protagonist makes progress toward their goal.
   • Negative: The protagonist faces setbacks, making the goal harder to achieve.
   • Neutral: No impact—this means the scene may not be needed.
3. Track Story Progression
   • As scenes are evaluated, the Story Goal Tracker draws an arc:
     • Upward movement means progress.
     • Downward movement means obstacles.
     • Flat lines indicate stagnation—a potential issue.
4. Analyze the Entire Story Arc
   • Review the protagonist’s progression.
   • A well-balanced story includes both positive and negative movements.
   • Too many wins make a story predictable, while too many losses can frustrate readers.

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When to Give Feedback on the Character Arc

As an editor or writer, check for these common issues:

1. Neutral Impact on the Protagonist

• If a scene does not move the protagonist toward or away from their goal, it needs revision.
• Action: Enter Neutral in the Story Goal Tracker and suggest reworking or cutting the scene.

2. Imbalanced Character Arc

• A story with too many positive moments lacks tension.
• A story with too many negative moments can feel hopeless.
• Action: Ensure a mix of wins and setbacks to maintain reader engagement.

3. Too Easy or Too Hard to Achieve the Goal

• If the protagonist reaches their goal too easily, stakes are too low.
• If the protagonist constantly struggles without progress, the pacing may feel stagnant.
• Action: Adjust difficulty levels to maintain tension and pacing.

4. Unclear Main Story Goal

• If the protagonist’s goal is vague or inconsistent, the story may lack direction.
• Action: Clarify the main story goal early and ensure all scenes contribute to it.

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Advice for Writers on Strengthening the Character Arc

To refine the Character Arc, ask these questions:

• Is the protagonist’s goal clearly defined?
• Does every scene impact the protagonist’s ability to achieve their goal?
• Is there a mix of successes and setbacks?
• Does the external journey force internal change?

Remember, even if a protagonist has a neutral inner arc (like James Bond or Jack Reacher), their external journey should still include wins and losses to maintain engagement.

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Final Thoughts

Mastering the Character Arc (Story Goal Tracker) ensures that every scene has purpose, every obstacle matters, and the protagonist’s journey is compelling from start to finish. By tracking their progress scene by scene, writers can create a dynamic, well-paced narrative that keeps readers hooked.

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

Welcome back to The Pencil’s Edge! In today’s post, we explore one of the most crucial elements of storytelling: the POV Character Goal. Without a clear goal, a character’s actions can feel aimless, leaving readers disengaged. A strong POV goal drives the story forward and provides readers with a compelling reason to keep turning the pages.

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Why Is the POV Character Goal Important?

A character goal is simply what a character wants in a given scene. Goals provide:

• Direction: They dictate what the character is doing and why.
• Tension: They create obstacles and stakes that keep readers engaged.
• Emotional Investment: Readers need to root for (or against) a character’s goal.

Without a goal, the scene risks becoming stagnant. Readers need to see characters striving toward something, failing, adjusting, and trying again.

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Using the POV Character Goal Element in Fictionary

In StoryCoach, each scene should have a clearly defined POV goal. If a goal is not apparent, this could indicate a weak scene. Here’s how to evaluate POV goals:

1. Verify the POV Goal
   • Navigate to Point of View Goal on the Evaluate page.
   • If the POV goal is not clear, enter Unclear in the story element.
2. Relate the POV Goal to the Story’s Main Goal
   • The protagonist should have a main story goal that is apparent in the blurb.
   • The POV character’s goal per scene should always relate to that overarching story goal.
3. Differentiate Between Internal and External Goals
   • External Goal: The immediate objective in a scene (e.g., winning an argument, escaping danger, finding a clue).
   • Internal Goal: A deeper, more emotional need driving the character’s transformation (e.g., gaining self-worth, overcoming a past trauma).
4. Utilize the Story Map
   • Select Point of View, POV Goal, and Scene Name in the Story Map to track character progression.

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When to Provide Feedback on POV Goals

As an editor or writer reviewing a manuscript, be on the lookout for these common issues:

1. No Clear POV Goal

• If a character has no discernible goal in a scene, it lacks momentum.
• Action: Enter No goal in the story element and suggest adding one.

2. Too Many Goals

• If the character is juggling multiple conflicting goals in a single scene, it can be confusing.
• Action: Enter Too many in the story element and recommend narrowing the focus.

3. Inconsistent Goals

• If the character’s goal changes within the scene without reason, it may lack coherence.
• Action: Enter Inconsistent and suggest clarifying intent.

4. No Consequences

• If the character’s goal is achieved or abandoned without impact, the stakes are too low.
• Action: Enter No consequences and recommend adding tension.

5. Too Easily Achieved Goals

• If a character reaches their goal without difficulty, the scene may feel underdeveloped.
• Action: Enter Too easy and advise adding obstacles or conflict.

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Advice for Writers on Strengthening POV Goals

To create compelling goals, ask these questions:

• Does the protagonist want something badly?
• Is the goal strong enough to be interesting?
• Does the protagonist get proactive by the midpoint?
• Does the protagonist change themselves or their situation?

By ensuring every POV character has a strong external goal (what they want) and an underlying internal goal (what they need), writers can create richer, more engaging narratives.

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Final Thoughts

Mastering POV Character Goals is key to building a dynamic and engaging story. Without clear, purposeful goals, scenes can feel aimless, and readers may lose interest. By tracking and refining goals, writers can maintain tension, keep characters proactive, and create a compelling reading experience.

Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll explore the next Fictionary Story Element: Character Arc. Until then, happy writing!

Welcome back to The Pencil’s Edge! In today’s post, we explore one of the most fundamental elements of storytelling: Point of View (POV). Understanding and mastering POV ensures a seamless and immersive reading experience, allowing readers to connect deeply with your characters and their journeys.

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Why Is Point of View Important?

When a writer selects a Point of View (POV) character for a scene, they make a promise to the reader—the reader will experience the scene exclusively from that character’s perspective. Any deviation from this promise can cause confusion, disrupt the pacing, and pull the reader out of the story.

Head-hopping (switching POV within a scene) requires extra words to clarify whose thoughts or actions are being described, making the narrative feel inconsistent. By maintaining a consistent POV, the writer ensures clarity and a strong connection between the reader and the characters.

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Using This Story Element in Fictionary

Fictionary’s StoryCoach automatically assigns a POV character to each scene upon manuscript import. However, it’s important to verify and correct any discrepancies. Here’s how to do it:

1. Verify the Assigned POV Character
   • Navigate to the Point of View element on the Evaluate page.
   • If the assigned POV character is incorrect, use the drop-down menu to select the correct character.
2. Missing a POV Character?
   • Click View Character List and ensure the character is added to the scene.
   • If the character is not listed, add them to the Cast of Characters on the Overview page before assigning them to scenes.
3. Analyzing POV Balance
   • The POV Characters Insight helps visualize the order, balance, and number of scenes each POV character has.
   • If the protagonist is not the dominant POV character, consider whether the right character is being emphasized.

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When to Offer Feedback on POV

As an editor or writer refining a manuscript, here are key areas where POV issues often arise:

1. Head-Hopping Within a Scene

• If a scene is told from one character’s POV, avoid jumping into another character’s thoughts or experiences.
• Sudden POV shifts can disrupt immersion, lessen tension, and make the story feel uncontrolled.
• Solution: Start a new scene when changing POV or rewrite the passage to maintain a singular perspective.

2. Unbalanced POV Distribution

• The protagonist should generally have the most POV scenes.
• Too much time between POV shifts can make it difficult to remember the characters.
• Solution: Use the POV Characters Insight to check balance and ensure the protagonist remains central.

3. Too Many POV Characters

• Research suggests readers can remember five to seven POVs effectively.
• Too many perspectives can dilute character connection.
• Solution: Consider combining roles or limiting perspectives to key characters.

4. First Scene’s POV Is Not the Protagonist

• Readers often expect the first character introduced to be the protagonist.
• If the POV character in the opening scene is not the protagonist, ensure this choice is intentional and clear.

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Advice to Writers on POV Implementation

• Choose Your POV Carefully: Decide whether your story benefits most from first-person (I, me), third-person limited (he, she, they), or third-person omniscient (all-knowing narrator).
• Maintain POV Consistency: Each scene should be told from only one character’s viewpoint.
• Use POV to Build Connection: The fewer POV characters, the deeper the reader’s bond with each.
• Switch POVs with Purpose: If using multiple POVs, structure them intentionally so they enhance rather than confuse the narrative.

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Final Thoughts

Mastering Point of View is essential for crafting a compelling and immersive story. By maintaining a clear and consistent POV, writers can enhance emotional depth, improve pacing, and ensure a seamless reader experience.

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