Story Writing - Building a Character's Learning From Scratch.

Building a story plot where the main character learns something from scratch involves several key elements to create a compelling narrative. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Define the Learning Goal:Clearly establish what the main character wants to learn or achieve. This can be a new skill, a field of knowledge, or a personal development goal.
2. Establish Motivation:Create a strong motivation for the character to embark on this learning journey. It could be driven by a personal passion, a desire for self-improvement, or a necessity imposed by external circumstances.
3. Set the Stage:Introduce the character's current situation and the challenges they face. This sets the stage for the learning journey and provides context for the audience to empathize with the character.
4. Create Obstacles:Develop obstacles and challenges that the character must overcome during the learning process. These obstacles add tension and create opportunities for growth and conflict.
5. Research and Realism:If the learning process involves a specific skill or knowledge, conduct research to ensure realism. Understand the steps involved in learning and the challenges associated with it.
6. Milestones and Progress:Break down the learning journey into milestones. Show the character's progress over time, highlighting both successes and setbacks. This progression keeps the story engaging and dynamic.
7. Introduce Supporting Characters:Include supporting characters who can either aid or hinder the learning process. Relationships with mentors, friends, or rivals can add depth and complexity to the narrative.
8. Internal Conflict:Explore the internal struggles and doubts the main character faces. This adds emotional depth and allows the audience to connect with the character on a personal level.
9. Show, Don't Tell:Instead of narrating the character's progress, depict the learning moments through actions, experiences, and dialogues. Allow the audience to witness the growth firsthand.
10. Emphasize Transformation:Focus on the transformation the character undergoes as a result of their learning journey. This could include changes in mindset, values, or skills.
11. Culminating Challenge:Build towards a culminating challenge or test that will showcase the character's newfound knowledge or abilities. This creates a climactic moment and a sense of accomplishment.
12. Reflect and Conclude:Allow the character to reflect on their journey. What have they learned about themselves, others, or the world? Provide a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends and leaves room for the character's continued growth.

Examples

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien:

• Frodo Baggins learns about courage, sacrifice, and the complexities of good and evil as he undertakes the perilous quest to destroy the One Ring.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens:

• Chronicles the moral and social development of Pip, an orphan, as he navigates Victorian society and learns about the true nature of wealth and nobility.

Tarzan of The Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs:

• In the story, Tarzan, raised by apes in the African jungle, undergoes a significant transformation as he encounters humans and gradually learns their ways and language.