Why Characters Need Obstacles (Or Your Story Won’t Move)

I trust everyone’s week has started well. We just had Mothers’ Day in the UK so I had my mum and brothers over and a total day off writing or even thinking about it. 

I got right back to work yesterday updating my submissions spreadsheet – I am up to 75 submissions this year so am well on target. I will be sharing my few successes with you soon on this website. Just as soon as Writers Reading is out of the way this week. Don’t forget it is on Thursday 19th at 7pm UK time on Zoom. You can click on the button below to go to the ticket link – it is free but I just need to know you are coming so you need to register.

Book Ticket for Writers Reading

I am exploring character development in some little posts lately – I will be covering different subjects as the weeks go on. Just touching on areas of writing, with some words, tips, and suggestions to get you thinking. 

Today – Obstacles. 
Stories often stall when characters get what they want too easily. Without obstacles, there is no real tension, and without tension, readers have little reason to keep turning the page. Obstacles force characters to make choices, take risks, and reveal who they really are. A character facing resistance becomes interesting because we begin to see their fears, flaws, determination, and resilience.

Not all obstacles come from the outside world. Some are internal: doubt, guilt, pride, fear of failure. Often the most powerful stories arise when a character faces both; an external problem that collides with an inner struggle. When these pressures meet, something shifts. The character must either change, or fail.

Try this quick exercise:
Write a short scene where your character wants something simple — a conversation, an apology, a job, a favour. First introduce an external obstacle that makes getting it difficult. Then add an internal resistance that makes it even harder (fear, pride, embarrassment). See how the scene changes once both pressures are in play.
​
I would love to hear any tips from you about how you work on and develop your characters. Drop them in the comments.

And, anything else you want to chat about, feel free also.

Until next time, happy scribbling.