Save the Cat! Writes a Novel

by Jessica Brody

How do you create a hero who is interesting, memorable, and relatable, a hero whom readers want to read about? A hero worthy of an entire novel written about them? Easy! You simply give them: A problem (or flaw that needs fixing) A want (or goal that the hero is pursuing) A need (or life lesson to be learned)

We call that real problem the shard of glass. It’s a psychological wound that has been festering beneath the surface of your hero for a long time.

I’ve found that almost every novel throughout time has an internal goal or need that is in some way a derivative of one of the following ten universal lessons: Forgiveness: of self or of others Love: includes self-love, family love, romantic love Acceptance: of self, of circumstances, of reality Faith: in oneself, in others, in the world, in God Fear: overcoming it, conquering it, finding courage Trust: in oneself, in others, in the unknown Survival: including the will to live Selflessness: including sacrifice, altruism, heroism, and overcoming greed Responsibility: including duty, standing up for a cause, accepting one’s destiny Redemption: including atonement, accepting blame, remorse, and salvation