The Life of a Story

The Life of a Story

Win

In the life of a story, I want the protagonist to win. Even if the ending isn’t totally happy, I want a satisfactory, logical ending where the character has changed for the better.

The protagonist usually has other “good guy” characters who support him, and he helps them as well.

In addition to facing troubles, there are typically naysayers, and certainly an antagonist, the protagonist has to confront and conquer.

Win or Die Trying

The sadder ending is when the character dies. But the story is still uplifting if they’ve shown courage and kept trying until the end.

Typically, the other “good guys” are strengthened and encouraged to keep facing their own troubles.

And the antagonist still loses.

Shrinking Back

The absolute, most heart-breaking, and VERY unsatisfactory ending is if the character shrinks back and stops trying.

And the support and encouragement of the other characters can’t make the character try again.

The antagonist triumphs, and the story gives no hope and no encouragement.

A Compelling Life in Story

As a writer, I create obstacles for my characters. And I keep the action going with what writers call “win, win, fail” and “fail, fail, win”.

In a scene, “win, win, fail” is when the character looks like they are going to overcome the current trial, and they keep overcoming until all of the sudden, they ultimately fail and have to figure out how to move forward from there.

“Fail, fail, win” is just the opposite. The character keeps failing at his quest, but then ultimately overcomes the current obstacle.

A balance of those types of scenes drives the story forward, and keeps the reader turning pages.

I strive to create that balance because I want, and I believe the reader wants, to see the character win — or die trying.

The Story of a Life

Win

When I face troubles in life, I want to overcome them and come out unscathed. And when I don’t come out unscathed, at least I want to become stronger and more loving toward myself and others.

I want the people I love to have the same outcome. And I’m certain that those who love me want me to be successful.

Unfortunately, there have been people who should be expected to support and wish the best for me, who are some of the obstacles I have to battle. They oppose me to get their way. It may be they think their way is best. The more disgusting reason has been their selfish desire to keep me doing what they want me to do, so their world is happy. And they don’t care how that affects me.

Win or Die Trying

When I come to the end of my life on earth, I still want to be trying. I want to die facing my troubles with courage, and perseverance, and trusting God for help.

I want the people I love to keep trying. Their courage and perseverance and trust in God is what helps me face my own life obstacles. And I believe that those who love me not only want the same for me, but are encouraged when I keep trying.

Shrinking Back

I know I’ve failed to keep trying to face and overcome certain troubles or issues. And those keep me from living life to the fullest in some areas. It’s difficult to forgive myself for not having the courage and trust in God to face those things.

I’m heartbroken to see someone I love giving up and shrinking back to the status quo. I can’t force them to keep trying any more than I can overcome my own similar failures. And I believe that the people who love me are saddened by my inability to keep fighting.

I pray for my loved ones. I keep encouraging them. I keep rooting for them. And I keep loving them. And I believe they do the same for me.

A Compelling Story In Life

I’ve had situations that were “win, win, fail”. And there have been many that were “fail, fail, win.”

Life seems to be a balance of failure and success.

But with all my faults and failures, what I pray in the end for me and for everyone, is to win — or die trying.

What helps you live a compelling story?

The Life of a Story – What helps you live a compelling story? Share on X

Joni 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.