Knowing what drives your story determines what pieces of the recipe you are going to need

The practice of creating an interesting and gripping story is in the details, correct?

It’s a combination of the plot, the characters, the motives, and everything in between that formulate a story that readers can grab onto. However, it’s not always easy to achieve, is it?

So, why not ask the question: Which makes a story better? A plot-driven story or a character-driven story?

Whether you’re outlining your first novel or revising your tenth, understanding the difference between a plot-driven story and a character-driven story is a powerful tool.

Knowing which element drives your narrative can sharpen your focus, guide your revisions, and help you connect with your readers more intentionally.

What Does “Driven” Mean, Anyway?

In storytelling, something always drives the narrative forward. The tension, movement, and transformation in a story don’t just happen — they’re pushed along by either external events (plot) or internal shifts (character).

Think of it like this:

• In a plot-driven story, the character reacts to events.

• In a character-driven story, the events unfold because of the character’s decisions, flaws, or desires.

Let’s break this down further.

Plot-Driven Stories: When the Story Moves the Character

Plot-driven stories are all about momentum. The external world throws obstacles, mysteries, or high-stakes situations at your characters, and they must respond. The character’s arc is often secondary to the unfolding of the plot.

📌 Examples:

• The Hunger Games — Katniss is forced into a deadly competition and must survive.

• The Martian — Mark Watney must survive on Mars using science and wit.

• Gone Girl — The mystery and manipulation drive the story forward.

In these stories, the reader is pulled by the question: What happens next?

Pros:

• Grabs attention quickly

• Builds suspense and tension

• Great for genre fiction: thrillers, mysteries, sci-fi, horror, action

Caution for writers:
If you lean too hard on the plot, your characters may feel like set pieces instead of real people. Readers may enjoy the ride but forget the passengers.

Character-Driven Stories: When the Character Moves the Story

In a character-driven story, the heart of the narrative is the character’s internal journey. The plot exists not as a string of dramatic events, but as a vehicle to test, challenge, or reveal something about the character. These stories often focus on emotional resonance, relationships, and personal change.

📌 Examples:

• Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine — Eleanor’s transformation drives the entire story.

• The Bell Jar — The plot mirrors the protagonist’s psychological spiral.

• Little Fires Everywhere — The decisions of deeply flawed characters cause slow-burning conflict.

In these stories, the reader is asking: How will this experience change them?

Pros:

• Creates intimacy and depth

• Ideal for exploring identity, morality, relationships, or trauma

• Perfect for literary fiction, coming-of-age, or contemporary drama

Caution for writers:
Without external momentum, these stories can feel slow or meandering. Make sure emotional stakes are clear and rising — even if explosions aren’t going off.

How to Tell What’s Driving Your Story

Ask yourself:

• If I removed the main character and replaced them with someone similar, would the story still play out the same way? If yes, it’s probably plot-driven.

• Are the biggest turning points caused by something the character does, or by something that happens to them?

• Does the tension come from what’s happening, or from what the character feels about what’s happening?

Remember: this isn’t an either/or situation. The best stories blend both

✍️ A murder mystery (plot) becomes more memorable when the detective is emotionally compromised (character).
✍️ A slow-burn romance (character) gains energy when a big external deadline forces choices (plot).

So… Which Is Better?

Writers love to ask this — and readers love to debate it. The truth? Neither is inherently better than the other. But one might be better for the story you’re trying to tell.

If you want to keep readers flying through pages with breathless anticipation, the plot may be your best friend. But if your goal is to explore the human condition, challenge your character’s inner world, or leave your readers emotionally wrecked in the best way — then character is your strongest tool.

That said, stories that endure often do both well. A plot without emotional investment can feel empty. A character study without movement can feel stuck. So rather than ask which is better, ask: What kind of experience do I want my reader to have?

That answer will point you in the right direction — every time.

Whether you’re writing commercial fiction or literary fiction, genre or experimental work, your story will benefit from clarity on what’s propelling it.

Being aware of whether your story is plot-driven or character-driven lets you:

• Tighten your structure

• Deepen your character arcs

• Create tension in the right places

• Market your book to the right audience

Don’t feel boxed in — feel empowered. Knowing your story’s core driver gives you the freedom to write with focus and flair.