: Re: 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,

@Frith254

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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.

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