: Re: Is it bad storytelling to have things happen by complete chance? Background I recently noticed in my latest masterpiece novel there is quite a lot of things happening by chance. For example:

@Pierce369

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Yes.
Actions in a novel are always the result of a character's choice and a manifestation of his will. Also, his actions should be "necessary" and compelled, i.e. he should not have other options. The fact that he accidentally meets a frail warrior is not bad per se, but it's extremely weak: why would he pay attention to him in the first place?

External causes too are the result of external forces. The ultimate force may be Destiny, or Fate, or God, but there should always be a chain of consequences in place. Even if your story is about randomness and casual events, that should be clearly stated as a main legit force acting in your world.

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