Killing Your Darlings

The decision to kill your protagonist in the middle of your story is a bold and impactful narrative choice that can have profound implications for the plot, character development, and thematic exploration. While it’s not a decision to be taken lightly, there are scenarios where it can be a great idea. Let’s explore the reasons why this might be one of those times:

Character Growth and Transformation: Killing the protagonist mid-story can provide a unique opportunity for character growth and transformation. It forces other characters to step into leadership roles, confront their own limitations, and adapt to the challenges previously shouldered by the protagonist. This can lead to powerful arcs of personal development and self-discovery.
Plot Twists and Unpredictability: The death of the protagonist is a dramatic plot twist that can take readers by surprise. This level of unpredictability can keep the story engaging and captivate the audience’s attention. It challenges conventional storytelling norms and subverts expectations, making the narrative more memorable.
Exploration of Themes: The protagonist’s death can serve as a vehicle for exploring profound themes such as sacrifice, legacy, mortality, and the enduring impact of one’s actions. It invites readers to contemplate the protagonist’s legacy and the enduring power of their ideals.
Test of Resilience: When the protagonist is no longer present to guide and protect, other characters must demonstrate their resilience and resourcefulness. Their ability to carry on the protagonist’s mission or values can be a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Redefining Heroism: Killing the protagonist can redefine the concept of heroism within the narrative. It challenges the notion that heroism is confined to a single individual and highlights the collective strength of a group or community coming together to achieve a common goal.
Emotional Impact: The protagonist’s death can evoke powerful emotions in readers and characters alike. Grief, loss, and determination in the face of tragedy can resonate deeply with the audience, creating a strong emotional connection to the story.
Compelling Conflict: The absence of the protagonist can create compelling conflicts among other characters and adversaries. It can shift the dynamics of power, alliances, and goals, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
Exploration of Indispensability: Imagining the protagonist dead is a way to test just how indispensable they are to the story and the world they inhabit. It challenges the notion that the protagonist is irreplaceable and allows the narrative to explore the consequences of their absence.

While killing the protagonist mid-story is a daring narrative choice, it can lead to a richer, more thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant storytelling experience. It challenges both characters and readers to grapple with the hero’s absence and consider the enduring impact of their actions. When executed thoughtfully, this decision can elevate your story to new heights, making it a memorable and impactful journey for your audience.

The Exercise:

Name three characters that COULD step into your protagonist’s place if necessary, and then write a short paragraph explaining why they’d be the best person for the job and then write a short paragraph explaining what shortcomings might preclude them from the job.
Brainstorm three plot twists that would arise due to your protagonist’s death.
Write a short paragraph explaining your protagonist’s ideals and how these ideals will created a long lasting legacy from now (the moment of their death) until the end of the story.
Take two or more of your remaining main and secondary characters and write an example scene showcasing a test of resilience after the protagonist’s death occurs.
Write a paragraph defining what heroism meant when the protagonist was still alive and then write another paragraph redefining what heroism means now that they are dead. What has changed and what will remain the same?
List ten emotions that the protagonist’s closest family member, friend or ally is feeling after their death and then write a a group of scenes with dialogue showcasing all ten of those emotions.
Brainstorm five different conflicts that could potentially arise due to the protagonist’s untimely death. What is at the core of these conflicts aside from the protagonist’s absence?
What are five immediate consequences of the protagonist’s death? With these five immediate consequences in play, do you as the author still see a path forward for your story? If you do, what does that path look like?

Consider the Following:

Ripple Effects on Minor Characters: Consider how the protagonist’s absence might affect minor characters in your story. How do characters with smaller roles respond to the news of the protagonist’s death or absence? How might their lives change in subtle or significant ways?

Write a scene that showcases minor characters finding out and reacting to the protagonist’s death. Write about what they do and say to one another in the immediate aftermath. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

Minor and Primary Antagonists’ Reaction: Explore how the minor antagonist or antagonistic force in your story reacts to the protagonist’s absence. Is the emotional reaction displayed by the minor antagonist, the same in front of their forces as it is in private? Do they believe the protagonist is truly gone, or do they harbor suspicions? Do they view this as a victory or a setback? How does this impact their plans and actions? How do they adjust their plans and strategies in light of this development? What new challenges or opportunities does this create for the minor antagonist? Do they underestimate the remaining characters resolve?

Write a scene that showcases minor antagonist and his or her forces finding out and reacting to the protagonist’s death. Write about what they do and say to one another in the immediate aftermath. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

Explore how the primary antagonist or antagonistic force in your story reacts to the protagonist’s absence. Is the emotional reaction displayed by the primary antagonist, the same in front of their forces as it is in private? Do they believe the protagonist is truly gone, or do they harbor suspicions? Do they view this as a victory or a setback? How does this impact their plans and actions? How do they adjust their plans and strategies in light of this development? What new challenges or opportunities does this create for the primary antagonist? Do they underestimate the remaining characters resolve?

Write a scene that showcases the primary antagonist and his or her forces finding out and reacting to the protagonist’s death. Write about what they do and say to one another in the immediate aftermath. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

Unfulfilled Goals and Dreams: Think about the protagonist’s unfulfilled goals, dreams, or promises. What aspirations did they have that now remain unrealized? How do other characters in the story attempt to carry on these aspirations, if at all? Do any characters feel a sense of responsibility to fulfill the protagonist’s unfinished business?

List five of the biggest unfulfilled goals, dreams, or promises that the protagonist failed to accomplish due to their death. Now, write a scene where a remaining character fulfills one or more of the goals/dreams/promises in the name of the protagonist. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

Uncovering Secrets: Consider whether the protagonist’s death or absence might lead to the revelation of hidden secrets or information. Are there truths that come to light in the protagonist’s absence? How do these revelations impact the remaining characters? Do any secrets hold the key to continuing the protagonist’s mission?

Brainstorm five different secrets that could be revealed after the protagonist’s untimely death. Review each one and select the one you feel fits best and then write a scene about the big reveal. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

New Leadership Dynamics: Consider how the protagonist’s death or absence reshapes the leadership dynamics within their group or community. Now, we already discussed who would take on the role, so let’s delve a bit deeper. How does their leadership style differ from the protagonist’s? What are the main challenges and conflicts that arise as new leaders emerge?

Write a scene that showcases the new leader’s skills and in contrast, their shortcomings amid the new emerging conflicts and challenges. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

Impact on Personal Relationships: Examine how the protagonist’s death or absence affects personal relationships among the remaining characters. Are there rifts or tensions that emerge due to grief, blame, or differing reactions to the loss? How do characters navigate these changes in their interpersonal connections?

Write a scene showcasing the emerging conflict that arises as a direct result of the protagonist’s death. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

Legacy and Memorials: Contemplate how the protagonist is remembered and honored in the story world. Are there efforts to preserve their legacy, such as memorials, monuments, or traditions? How do characters grapple with the protagonist’s lasting impact on their lives and the world around them?

Write a scene showcasing how other character memorialize or remember the protagonist after their death. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

Unresolved Storylines: Think about any unresolved storylines or plot threads related to the protagonist. What loose ends remain in the wake of their death or absence? How do characters address these unfinished business aspects? Do they seek closure or resolution?

Go through your outline and list all of the unresolved storylines. Try to imagine who that remains, continue where the protagonist left off, and could resolve these storylines. Now, write a scene for each unresolved storyline that showcases the new character picking up the protagonist’s torch. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

Themes of Grief and Healing: Delve into the themes of grief and healing within the story. How do characters cope with the loss of the protagonist, and what stages of grief do they experience? Are there moments of catharsis or reconciliation as characters come to terms with their emotions?

Write a scene showcasing a group of pivotal characters in grief over the protagonist’s death. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

The Evolution of the Antagonist: Consider how the protagonist’s death or absence impacts the main antagonist. Does it embolden them, leading to more aggressive actions? What do these more aggressive actions look like? What are the immediate consequences of these more aggressive actions? Does it create doubt and uncertainty? What does this doubt and uncertainty look like? What are the immediate consequences for this doubt and uncertainty? How does both the minor and the primary antagonist (as well as any other notable enemies) adapt to the changing dynamics in their pursuit of their goals?

Write a scene showcasing how the primary antagonist is handling the aftermath of the protagonist’s death. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

Write a scene showcasing how the minor antagonist is handling the aftermath of the protagonist’s death. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

Write a scene showcasing how other enemies are handling the aftermath of the protagonist’s death. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

The Protagonist’s Influence on Allies: Examine how the protagonist’s influence continues to shape the actions and decisions of their allies and supporters. Do characters carry forward the protagonist’s ideals and mission? How does this influence their choices?

Write a scene that showcases a year or more into the future and how the protagonist continues to influence the lives of people who knew them. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

The Quest for Closure: Explore whether any characters embark on a quest or mission related to the protagonist’s death or absence. Is there a search for answers, justice, or redemption? How does this quest drive the narrative forward and impact character development?

Write a scene where an individual character who was close to the protagonist goes on a personal journey to seek closure surrounding the death of the protagonist. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

New Alliances and Conflicts: Examine how characters form new alliances or rivalries in response to the protagonist’s death or absence. Are there unexpected partnerships or betrayals? How do these new relationships affect the overall narrative?

Write a scene that examines new alliances or rivalries that form as a direct result of the protagonist’s death. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

The Impact on Secondary Characters: Delve into the experiences and reactions of secondary characters who were not part of the protagonist’s inner circle. How do they perceive the protagonist’s legacy? How are they affected by the protagonist’s death or absence indirectly?

Write a scene that showcases secondary characters finding out and reacting to the protagonist’s death. Write about what they do and say to one another in the immediate aftermath. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

Flashbacks and Memories: Consider using flashbacks and memories as storytelling devices to keep the protagonist’s presence alive in the narrative. How do characters remember and honor the protagonist through these moments? What insights do these glimpses into the past provide?

Create a flashback scene via a story that a pivotal character is telling to someone or a group of people, about the protagonist or a special event that the protagonist was a part of. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

The Protagonist’s Influence on Society: Explore how the protagonist’s actions and beliefs continue to influence the broader society within the story world. Are there movements, ideologies, or changes in societal norms that stem from the protagonist’s legacy?

Write a scene that showcases how the protagonist continues to influence the lives of people who have never met them, a generation or more in the future. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

The Unintended Consequences: Think about any unintended consequences that arise as a result of the protagonist’s death or absence. Are there unforeseen challenges or benefits that emerge? How do characters adapt to these unexpected developments? Using the Law of Unintended Consequences, list five consequences that could arise.

Write a scene showcasing the law of unintended consequences surrounding the protagonist’s death. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

The Possibility of Resurrection or Return: Contemplate whether there is a possibility of the protagonist’s resurrection or return in the story. How do characters grapple with the hope or uncertainty surrounding this potential event? Does it drive their actions and decisions?

Write a scene (however hypothetical) showcasing how other pivotal characters might seek to have the fates reverse their decision and bring the protagonist back to life. Seek to answer all of the proposed questions from the prompt.

The Scene: Consider these Questions: Alternately, if everyone wrongly believed your protagonist was dead, what would they suddenly be free to do? How long would they wait to reveal that they’re still alive? What would their opponents do and what would they say once they find out that the protagonist is still alive? What would their friends and family do and what would they say once they find out that the protagonist is still alive?

A False Death: Considering the above questions, you are now going to write four different scenes answering each of the provided questions above.

Now, write a eulogy for your protagonist from another character’s point of view. Could that character say any of those things while the hero is alive?

The Chosen One: The Eulogy: Now, jot down your character’s last will and testament. Would they want to be buried or cremated, and where do they wish their remains to go? What would their tombstone read? Who would get their stuff? Who would be omitted from receiving anything and why are they omitted? How do the people who were omitted react to being omitted? Would the people included be satisfied with what they receive? Would they be jealous of what other people receive? What conflicts arise as a direct consequence of the way the will is written?

The Written Will: Lastly, consider options short of literal death: prison, coma, exile, alien stasis. Anything that takes your protagonist out of action, albeit temporarily, can work. What would be your first choice here? Why would it be their first choice? Once you’ve figured out the answer to this question, write a scene showcasing your decision.

I know that this exercise is a doozy, but I feel it is well worth it to get this out on to a page. How do you feel about killing your darlings? Drop me a comment down below.