Active? Great? Screwed?
It's important to make sure your protagonist is active and engaging. They should have a specific skill set that they’re amazing at, and they should be constantly confronted with obstacles they must overcome.
An active protagonist drives the story forward through their choices and decisions as they try to get what they want. They’re not passive observers, but rather active participants in the story.
And their specific set of skills sets them apart from the other characters in the story. Regardless of what it is, the skill set should be integral to the story. It can be anything from physical prowess to intellectual acuity.
Indiana Jones from "Raiders of the Lost Ark." uses his archeology skills to solve puzzles and outsmart his enemies. He's constantly screwed over by obstacles, like being trapped in a pit of snakes or fighting Nazis. These challenges help make the audience root for Indy to succeed.
The protagonist should be constantly confronted with obstacles to overcome. These can be physical, emotional, or intellectual, but should always be challenging. These force the protagonist to use their skill set in new and inventive ways, and they should push the protagonist to their limits.
Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games." is skilled with a bow, and her resourcefulness and quick thinking help her survive in the games. She's constantly being screwed over by the Capitol's manipulations and the dangerous situations in the arena, but her determination and resilience in the face of these obstacles make us cheer for her.
John McClane in "Die Hard": McClane is a skilled police officer with a knack for getting himself into trouble. Throughout the movie, he's constantly faced with obstacles, including a group of terrorists who take over the building.
Eleven in "Stranger Things” is a young girl with psychic powers who is constantly hunted by the government and other dangerous entities. She uses her powers to help her friends and fight against the creatures from the Upside Down but faces numerous obstacles and challenges along the way.
An active protagonist is more relatable because they are actively trying to achieve their goals. We can empathize with their struggles and cheer for their successes. Even when what they’re doing is morally questionable.
In "Breaking Bad," Walter White is a chemist who uses his expertise to cook meth and build a drug empire. He faces constant obstacles, from rival drug dealers to the DEA, and his decisions and actions have dire consequences.
So, take a look at your own story and ask yourself: Is your main character active and great at something? Do they have a specific skill set they can deploy in your story? Are they constantly being screwed over by obstacles?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, then it's time to give your protagonist the skills, agency, and challenges they need to become the best version of themselves and keep the audience engaged.
