Yes, sometimes it gets worse. And in a story, it should.
In The Rifleman episode, Ordeal, we last left Pa and Mark having the Great Debate. In To Got or Not To Go, I explained why their choice was the “least bad”, and meant the thirty-mile trek across rough desert terrain. Part of that decision was because one of the horses had a broken leg, so Pa had to put him out of his misery.
Then, it gets worse. More obstacles and escalating events occur in the story.
Mark notices Pa is favoring his side, due to an injury Pa received during the inciting incident. Pa brushes it off as being, “a might sore, it’s just a bruise”. That night, there’s a sandstorm and the remaining horse spooks and runs away. The next day on foot, they make it to the water hole, which is dry, so the chance of running out of water is very high.
They can’t go back, so as they continue, they have to scale a high rock wall, and Pa’s foot is badly injured by a falling rock. Now he’s using his rifle as a walking stick to help make the trek.
These obstacles are so compelling because they follow this storycrafting secret: “External obstacles trigger internal struggles”:
— Mark’s greatest fear is losing Pa so he gets more and more worried and anxious as he realizes the extent of Pa’s injuries, the loss of the horse, and no water in the waterhole.
— Pa’s greatest fear is losing Mark, and the loss of the horse, no water in the waterhole, and his worsening injuries, escalate the possibility that he can’t save his son.
What happens next? Well, that’s a future post that covers when the character experiences the ”face your greatest fear” moment. Stay tuned for the next storycrafting installment.
What story do you love where it gets worse, which escalates a character’s inner struggles?
It Gets Worse – What story do you love where obstacles worsen a character's inner struggles? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
Until the next installment, feel free to enjoy my previous posts about crafting a story (in order of what to do when). Here are the links:
Reasons Not To Write the Story
The Hunger Games is a good example of things getting worse and Katniss Everdeen’s struggles within.
Thanks for sharing a book that has a great character and story arc. I appreciate you reading and commenting.
I have enjoyed your story crafting posts. Thanks, Joni.
Thanks, Phyllis. I appreciate you reading and I’m grateful my posts are helpful.
Indiana Jones in “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
Thanks for sharing, Tim. Indiana is a great character!