Creating a Protagonist With Strong Character Logic

by Mary Kole | Former literary agent, now a freelance editor, writing teacher, and IP/story developer for major publishers and creators.

Today I’m discussing character logic, and how this affects the protagonist in a novel. As an inroad to this topic, I want to talk about the “blurt” that some writers orchestrate for their characters. Notice, I said the “blurt,” and how this relates to character logic, and not the “blurb.” (In the publishing business, blurbs are testimonials from authors that you hope to secure when your own book gets closer to publication.)

Intention and Character Logic

Ah, we’ve all been there: the dreaded instance when we open our mouths and the most sudden or inappropriate or honest thing falls out, at the very worst time! Or maybe you haven’t experienced this … but have seen it happen repeatedly on the page, as I have. In fact, the “blurt” overrides character logic and tends to happen to protagonists A LOT. Maybe much more than it actually happens in real life. 

Dialogue is often a powerful tool to reveal secrets and drive stories forward, and so writers tend to want to force their characters to make choices that are not, unfortunately, supported by sound character logic. In many cases of the “blurt,” there are more serious underlying issues that the character isn’t dealing with, but their writer needs them to say something or reveal some information, so they simply blurt things out. 

The character would never say that thing to anyone, nor would they say that thing if they considered their actions for half a second. Simply making them blurt out their secret or a new piece of information or a confrontational idea doesn’t follow character logic. In fact, it’s sudden and illogical and can take readers out of the story because it’s so unbelievable.

The blurt is a careless and unintentional way out of a writer's dilemma. It can feel like a cheap plot device when the character who blurts something out is not the type to do so. Instead, approach any story problem that you’re trying to solve with a “blurt” by applying character logic that’s in line with the protagonist you’ve developed. (This idea is why the phrase “out of character” exists—people get a sense of your character, and anything that contradicts this sense can be jarring.)

character logic

Applying Character Logic

When a character has, in other parts of the story, demonstrated their ability to be in control, self-aware, introspective, and honest with the reader, it's particularly disheartening when the “blurt” comes to the party. It overrides the established character logic. And it’s also too easy. So, how do you avoid clichés like this? 

Why, by focusing on interiority, of course! Underpin character logic by writing the character’s internal conflict in a way that allows readers to gain insight into the thoughts, feelings, and struggles of that character. This will keep the audience engaged and entertained, rather than taken aback by a lack of character logic.

By avoiding the “blurt,” you can also focus on raising the stakes. If the protagonist is able to apply character logic to the situation, they might better understand the risks of declaring their feelings to their beloved, and are aware of the negative repercussions of disclosing their true identity. Active protagonists weigh their options, use character logic, and choose to act. Or not act. 

Rather than blurting out what they feel in an impulsive manner, as a passive character would do, an active character will carefully consider the situation and make the conscious decision to express their feelings intentionally. (And face the consequences, but that’s why active choices lead to good story!)

Resist the temptation to write a character who blurts mindlessly, and have them make the brave decision to express the "big deal" thing instead. Anybody can just blurt whatever comes to mind, but when they opt to take the risk and go for the more meaningful reveal with full awareness, it reveals a lot more about who they are—otherwise known as characterization.

Character Logic Take Courage

Speaking the truth means the character is willing to take risks. That kind of bravery and action will draw readers in and make your characters more interesting. You might not have thought that simply having a character blurt something out was a big deal. Now we hope you’ve been able to see how this involves a much bigger issue, that of character logic.

Always make sure your characters are as active as they can possibly be. Add character logic, include layers, deepen the stakes. This is how to create a story that readers will be raving about.

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