Quests are popular in fiction and film because it’s not just about reaching the goal, it’s about finding what really matters. Use your quest to give your character’s growth and keep your readers enthralled to the end.
The Quest
A quest is a storytelling device where the main character goes on a journey to get something they want. Along the way, they face challenges that help them grow emotionally and spiritually. The distance traveled isn’t always the focus; it’s more about personal development.
During the quest, the protagonist may meet other characters who join them or encounter an antagonist with similar goals, creating conflict.
Sometimes, the quest is a side story that helps move the main plot forward. The protagonist searches for something that is needed to keep the overall story going. It adds depth to the narrative, blending personal growth with the main plot’s progression.
The Macguffin
To create a quest, you’ll need a goal, often called the “Macguffin.” This doesn’t necessarily have to be a physical object like a treasure; it can be anything you believe would be a meaningful objective for your protagonist.
Some examples of Macguffins:
- An ancient superweapon
- A missing person
- A hero to save the world
- A fabulous treasure
- Immortality
- An escape
- A way home
In reality, the narrative isn’t merely about the act of finding these things. It delves into self-discovery and personal growth. Sometimes, upon reaching the goal, the protagonist realizes it may not be as important to them as they thought. The hero’s journey isn’t always heroic; the treasure might crumble into dust, the missing person may not want to be found, or the superweapon could prove too dangeous to keep around. This twist adds complexity and depth to the storyline, challenging the protagonist’s initial perceptions and expectations.
In the anime Samurai Champloo, Fuu is on a quest to find her father who has been missing since she was a young child. When she finally reaches her goal, she understands that what she really needs is closure, which will allow her to move on.
The reason
Often, the protagonist is living in their normal world when something pushes them into beginning the journey. It doesn’t have to be as obvious as “You must leave and find this Macguffin or the world will end” although that can work. The push could be a series of events that propel the protagonist into making that first step. Luke Skywalker, in the first Star Wars movie, starts his quest when he finds a robot with a secret message, and his aunt and uncle are murdered by the Jedi. This is when he sets out to rescue the mysterious princess.
Allies
The protagonist doesn’t need to make this journey alone. Along the way, they can meet other characters who will help them overcome any obstacles they face. You can give them one ally or a found family to travel with.
Of course, just because they’re along for the ride, they don’t have to believe the Macguffin is worth finding or even that it exists. They are on the journey to support your protagonist in their endeavors just like Mugen and Jin in Samurai Champloo.
Obstacles
Your main character should face numerous obstacles, introducing conflict and tension into the narrative. These challenges can take various forms, such as encountering another person with similar goals, navigating hazardous terrain, or simply getting lost. Feel free to introduce any elements that add complexity to the journey. However, don’t make it too easy; a story with low-impact challenges may come across as flat and uninteresting. Overcoming conflict is necessary for character development, as it forces growth and adds substance to the storyline.
If you opt for an antagonist or villain pursuing the same goal, ensure they have a logical reason for seeking it. This motive doesn’t have to mirror the protagonist’s; for instance, the villain might aim to use an ancient superweapon while the protagonist seeks to destroy it.
To inject uncertainty into the narrative, consider giving each side advantages over the other alternately. This approach keeps the story dynamic and makes it less predictable as to who will reach the end of the journey first. It adds intrigue and complexity to the rivalry between the protagonist and antagonist.
Examples:
- Advantages:
- Head Start
- Clue Discovery
- Stronger Forces
- More Resources
- Challenges:
- Injury
- Map Advantage
- Ambush
- Trapped
The possiblities are almost endless. And if the villain is smart, they might sit back and let the protagonist to do all the hard work such as finding and solving clues, going through traps, or unlocking the chamber that holds the Macguffin before turning up at the last minute to take it off their hands.
Problems
A compelling reason for the quest is vital. It doesn’t always have to be a grand save-the-world scenario, but it should matter deeply to the protagonist, motivating them to leave their ordinary life.
Additionally, obstacles introduced by others pursuing the same goal should be logically grounded. If they aim to impede the protagonist’s progress, it implies they have prior knowledge of the next steps. It’s essential to maintain consistency and provide challenges for both sides, preventing either from achieving their objectives too easily. This creates a balanced and engaging narrative.
Side stories can add interest, but it’s essential to ensure they don’t distract readers from the main goal. Short detours should have a purpose, like gathering resources, recuperating, or finding information related to the Macguffin. These side stories should support the main narrative, keeping the focus on the protagonist’s journey toward their ultimate goal.
Conclusion
Quests are exciting adventures that help characters discover what’s important to them. The journey doesn’t have to span great distances but should offer enough challenges for the protagonist to grow. Along the way, they can make new friends, overcome flaws, and confront fears. The quest becomes a transformative experience, shaping both characters and the narrative.
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