: Writing is it the plot, subplot or backstory Why do most books and videos on creative writing refer to the protagonist as the hero and the antagonist as the villain such as with thrillers,

Vote Up Vote Down

Labels like "hero" and "villain" are terms intended to simplify, but your story does not have to be so cut and dry. As with any craft, there's not so many hard and fast rules as there are guidelines. Use your bets judgment; choose what feels right for your story.

I would stick to terms like "protagonist" (the lead character that takes the journey) and the "antagonist" (the character that keeps the protagonist from getting what he or she wants). Though your story is a historical fiction, it has an element of mystery to it too: your main character sets off on a journey to discover a truth that can change her life in some way.

As far as backstory goes, you should only incorporate it if it reveals something about your character that the reader didn't already know, and/or if the information will somehow move the plot forward.

If flashbacks are integral to your plot, you could possibly have alternating chapters: one set in the past and one set in the present. It would be an interesting way to weave the mother and daughter's story together.

Some historical novels that I would reference for inspiration would be "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova and "Possession" by A.S. Byatt. "The Thirteenth Tale" by Dianne Setterfield would be good read as well, since it has to do with unraveling the past.

(0)

Vote Up Vote Down

Oh, wow, where to begin.

There are people who differentiate between protagonist and hero, and there are some who use these words as synonym. That really shouldn't stop you.

In most (genre) novels there is a person who wants something really badly and you want this person in the spotlight. And on the other side there is someone who wants really badly that the person does not succeed. Two boys want the same girl. No one needs to be a villain here.

Don't struggle to fit something in. Write your novel. Write it like you think it is right. If you do not have an opinion about "being right" or if you are unsure, just ignore your insecurity and write. Listen to your heart, not your brain, have fun!

Every novel, no matter the genre, can be written without flashbacks. Every single one. Easiest solution is to put everything in the correct chronological order. If that is a good idea, is a different question.

We have questions about flashbacks here, search them. You can use flashbacks all over the place. Best option is to do it in a way that does not puzzle your readers. But you can think about that, after finishing your first draft. Write the damn novel. Put in every flash you want.

Your back story is what you have made up for your story, but will not necessarily show up in your book. Let's say a character was a priest. You show in your story that he is a religious man without mentioning that he was priest. And it is totally irrelevant for the plot if he was a priest or a butcher, then being a priest is his back story, but not part of the storyline. I hope you get the idea.

Now go and write your novel.

(0)

Vote Up Vote Down

This sounds like an interesting story. Some writing books tend to "dumb down" the components of stories, using words like "hero" and "villain". They can still be useful, if viewed from an angle, especially for more down to earth stories like yours.

I would be inclined to think the mother is actually the protagonist (hero) for a lot of this story and the Germans the villains (antagonists). The daughter would have her own moments of course, being the one doing the searching and finding romance in Paris.

If you can maintain a relevancy and emotional connection between the three characters (mother, daughter and romantic interest), I think this could be an interesting read.

(0)