Aaron Lamb shares his top five tips for writing one of the hardest parts of your novel. The point at which your protagonist faces their biggest challenge.
The “dark night of the soul” is a crucial moment in many stories where the protagonist faces their deepest fears and struggles. It’s a pivotal point that can make or break your novel. Here are five tips to help you craft a compelling dark night of the soul:
- Raise the stakes Make sure the challenges your protagonist faces are significant and personal. This isn’t just another obstacle; it should be a make-or-break moment that threatens everything they’ve been working towards.
- Dive deep into your character’s psyche Use this moment to explore your protagonist’s deepest fears, insecurities, and vulnerabilities. Show their internal struggle as vividly as their external one.
- Strip away support systems Isolate your character from their usual sources of comfort and aid. This forces them to confront their challenges alone and dig deep within themselves for strength.
- Create a sense of hopelessness The situation should feel truly dire. Your reader should wonder how the protagonist could possibly overcome this challenge. This creates tension and makes the eventual triumph more satisfying.
- Plant seeds of transformation While this is the darkest moment, it’s also the catalyst for change. Subtly introduce elements that will contribute to your character’s growth and eventual resolution of the conflict.
Remember, the dark night of the soul is not just about piling on difficulties. It’s a transformative experience that pushes your character to their limits and sets the stage for their ultimate growth and triumph.
For example in Cults, Coffee and Close Encounters, our protagonist Janice faces her dark night of the soul when her best friend Ava is kidnapped.
Aaron Lamb 