The Three Pillars of Protagonist Development

1. THE FLAW

Every compelling protagonist has a weakness, broken belief, or character 

defect that holds them back. This fatal flaw:

→ Creates internal conflict

→ Blocks them from achieving their goal

→ Forces them to grow (or fail)

→ Makes them relatable and human

Examples: pride, fear, self-doubt, cynicism, guilt, recklessness

2. THE GOAL

Your protagonist needs both an external goal (what drives the plot) and an 

internal goal (what drives their character growth):

→ External Goal: What they think they want (defeat the villain, find the 

  artifact, win the tournament)

→ Internal Goal: What they actually need (learn to trust, forgive themselves, 

  find courage)

The tension between these two goals creates depth.

3. THE ARC

Character transformation is what makes stories satisfying. Your protagonist's 

arc shows how they change from beginning to end:

→ Who are they at the start?

→ What forces them to change?

→ Who have they become by the end?

The arc is the journey from flaw to fulfillment (or failure).

EXERCISE 1: Archetype Builder

Identify your protagonist's primary archetype and make it unique. This 

worksheet helps you:

• Choose the archetype that fits your story

• Subvert expectations to make it fresh

• List 5 core personality traits

• Define their fatal flaw

• Identify their unique strengths

EXERCISE 2: Complete Character Profile

Fill out our comprehensive character bio template covering:

• Basic information (name, age, appearance)

• Physical description and mannerisms

• Personality and speaking style

• Motivation and goals

• Fatal flaw and character arc

• Backstory and formative wounds

• Relationships with other characters

• Habits, quirks, and daily life

• Story-specific details

This becomes your character bible—the reference guide for your entire story.

EXERCISE 3: Hero's Transformation Map

Use our step-by-step worksheet to map your protagonist's journey through 

all three acts. You'll define:

• Their external and internal state at the beginning

• Their fatal flaw and false belief

• Their goals (what they want vs what they need)

• Key turning points that force transformation

• Who they become by the end

Common Questions About Protagonist Development

Q: Do I need to fill out every section of the character profile?

A: Not necessarily! Focus on the sections that are relevant to your story. 

Some writers need comprehensive profiles, while others work with just the 

basics. Use what serves your creative process.

Q: Can my protagonist have more than one flaw?

A: Absolutely! Most real people (and realistic characters) have multiple 

flaws. However, it's helpful to identify ONE primary flaw that drives the 

main arc and creates the most conflict with their goal.

Q: What if my character doesn't change much?

A: That's called a Flat Arc, and it's perfectly valid! In a flat arc, your 

character already knows the truth and their steadfast conviction inspires 

change in the world around them. Think Captain America or Atticus Finch.

Q: Should I complete the character profile before or after I start writing?

A: It depends on your process! Some writers (plotters) need to know everything 

before they start. Others (pantsers) discover their characters as they write. 

Many writers do both—start with basics, then fill in details as they draft.

Q: How do I make my archetype feel fresh and not clichéd?

A: Focus on subverting expectations and adding unique twists. Give your Hero 

unexpected flaws. Make your Anti-Hero surprisingly kind in certain situations. 

The key is complexity—real people are contradictory, and so should your 

characters be.

© 2025 Lisa A. Moore. All rights reserved.