Character Engineering: Core Components

Define a protagonist's function as the primary agent of causal change in the plot.

Formulate a protagonist's desire as a specific, measurable, external goal.

Formulate an antagonist's goal to be in direct opposition to the protagonist's desire.

Define a character's internal need as the flaw or misbelief preventing their fulfillment.

Articulate a character's core misbelief as a specific false assumption about the world or themselves.

Define a character's primary fear as the specific emotional cost they actively avoid paying.

Construct a character's values hierarchy by ranking what they will sacrifice first versus last.

Assign functional roles to supporting characters, such as ally, mirror, or foil.