A Quick Note on Story Stakes in Fiction Writing for the Novice Writer
by Ryker J. Phoenix
Great stories are defined by the stakes that they present. Without stakes, a story can become bland and uninteresting. The stakes of a story refer to what the characters stand to gain or lose throughout the course of the story. The stakes of a story can be classified into three levels: personal, interpersonal, and global. Each level of stakes provides a different perspective on the story and adds to the overall tension and drama.
The first level of stakes is personal. This level refers to what the main character stands to gain or lose in their personal life. It is the most intimate level of stakes and often involves the character's emotional well-being. Personal stakes can range from something as simple as a character's desire to find love, to something as complex as their desire to overcome a traumatic experience. Personal stakes are essential because they connect readers to the character's emotions, making them feel invested in the character's journey.
The second level of stakes is interpersonal. This level refers to what the main character stands to gain or lose in their relationships with others. Interpersonal stakes involve the character's relationships with other characters, and the impact that their actions will have on those relationships. For example, a character may have to choose between their loyalty to a friend and their own personal gain. Interpersonal stakes are important because they add an element of conflict to the story, making it more engaging and exciting for readers.
The third level of stakes is global. This level refers to what the main character stands to gain or lose in the larger world around them. Global stakes involve the impact that the character's actions will have on the world at large. For example, a character may have to save the world from a catastrophic event. Global stakes are important because they raise the stakes of the story to a higher level, making the story more epic and grand in scale.
In conclusion, the levels of stakes in a story are essential to creating a compelling and engaging narrative. Personal stakes connect readers to the character's emotions, interpersonal stakes add conflict and tension to the story, and global stakes raise the stakes to a higher level. Without stakes, a story can become dull and uninteresting. Understanding the levels of stakes and incorporating them into a story is key to creating a memorable and impactful narrative.
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