In this episode…
I dive deep into one of the most essential—and most misunderstood—elements of storytelling: the protagonist. Specifically, what a character must do to carry a story, earn reader trust, and deliver a hero moment that actually lands.
This episode breaks down the three critical role functions every protagonist must fulfill: challenger, driver, and hero. I explore why character is the vessel through which readers experience worldbuilding, plot, and theme—and why a weak system or unclear purpose leads to passive characters with no agency.
Using examples from Red Rising, The Rage of Dragons, A Game of Thrones, and The Stormlight Archive, I examine different story types—emboldening, gritty, tragic, and harmonious—and how each one sets distinct expectations for win–loss dynamics and reader trust. We also explore antagonistic systems (not just villains), story questions, pre-stories, and why breaking reader trust is far easier than earning it.
If you’ve ever been told your character is “likable but boring,” this episode explains exactly why—and how to fix it.
The three role functions every protagonist must fulfill
Why stories need an antagonistic system, not just an antagonist
How worldbuilding establishes a status quo worth challenging
Character as the vessel: why readers imprint on characters faster than worlds
The importance of agency and why passive protagonists kill momentum
How purpose and the inciting incident drive story forward
Understanding the story question and why it’s usually a yes/no answer
Reader trust: how it’s built, reinforced, and instantly betrayed
The difference between subverting expectations and breaking trust
Emboldening stories vs. tragic stories vs. gritty revenge stories
Why tragic heroes always receive warnings
How win–loss dynamics define story “vibe” and emotional payoff
Characters who create their own problems—and what that signals to readers
Multiple protagonists and how each must still fulfill all three roles
Primary vs. secondary protagonists and how much readers will forgive
Harmonious storytelling and protagonists with opposing but valid goals
Why change—of character or system—is the engine of meaningful story
How plot, character, and worldbuilding must work interconnectedly
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive) by Brandon Sanderson
A Vengeful Realm (Series) by Tim Facciola
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