Main Character Vanishes: Strategies to Ensure Continued On-screen Presence of Your Central Characters

In the world of literature, the protagonist plays a crucial role in engaging readers and driving the narrative forward. A well-crafted protagonist serves as the emotional anchor of the book, keeping readers invested and connected throughout the story.

A prolonged absence of the protagonist can frustrate and bore readers, leading to a loss of engagement. To avoid this, it's essential to maintain regular "screen time" for the protagonist, avoiding long gaps without their appearance. Ideally, the protagonist should appear in at least every other chapter, ensuring their visibility throughout the story.

One example of a book where the protagonist's infrequent appearances early on can be felt is James Joyce's Ulysses. Stephen Dedalus, the protagonist, is only sparsely present in the first chapters, contributing to a lost reader connection and hindering the movement in the story development.

To establish a strong connection with readers, it's beneficial to provide the protagonist with at least one full chapter to establish their presence before exploring other characters. Introducing the protagonist early in a novel is also important to maintain reader engagement, and introducing them in the opening scene of the story can create a powerful impact.

However, complicated plots and extended casts of characters may require authors to spend time away from the main character. In such cases, the protagonist's absence, especially at the beginning of the story, should be minimized to prevent weakening reader investment and connection.

For authors seeking guidance on crafting unforgettable protagonists and keeping them central to the story, the Creating Character Arcs Workbook offers valuable insights. This resource is available in both e-book and paperback formats.

In conclusion, the protagonist is the lifeblood of the story. They are central to the plot and serve as the emotional anchor that keeps readers engaged and invested. By maintaining a consistent presence and establishing them early, authors can ensure a compelling and engaging narrative.

Main Character Vanishes: Strategies to Ensure Continued On-screen Presence of Your Central Characters