Plot-driven versus character-driven—you may have heard those terms tossed around to describe various works. But what do they mean? Which is better?
First off, a plot-driven work is one where the plot is the main focus. Characters are there to do things—quest narratives are commonly this. There is a thing to do, a big bad to defeat, a magic item to nab. You know the next step of the plot at all times and usually the end goal from pretty early on.
On the other hand, character-driven is one where the characters are what readers (or viewers) fall in love with. A lot of romantic tropes fall into character-driven categories. You are more focused on the character’s motivations, desires, and goals, rather than what the world outside is doing.
Take note—neither is better. Whichever you choose—or end up with—depends entirely on the story that’s trying to be told. Some stories are better served by plot-driven narratives, and some are better served by character-driven narratives. Think about Ocean’s 11. Would that have worked so well if the cast were not a totally charming ragtag group of thieves? What about your favorite romcom? Romance absolutely needs strong characters leading the plot by the hand to keep it going.
And to be clear, a good story needs both a strong plot and a strong cast!
I feel most authors are generally more comfortable with one over the other. (I myself am definitely a character-driven narrative kinda gal, and that works well with how I approach stories and characters both.) It’s good to know both what you’re comfortable with, and how far out of the comfort zone you wanna go.
Or maybe you’re still discovering which you tend to prefer in writing! That’s fine, too, but takes a lot of introspection and squinting at your story. If you changed a major plot point, could your characters go on? If you swapped the role of two characters, could the plot survive? Most stories and authors achieve a balance, of course; it isn’t all or nothing.
Examine your writing. Identify how you create a story—cast first, or plot first? Look at how you outline (if you do) and what markers you use for yourself. Then, lean into your strengths and prosper! All that it comes down to is writing the story, after all.
