: Re: I am overplotting my story - how can I figure out what is necessary and cut out what isn't? I have recently discovered that the plot and cast of characters of my novel is so unbelievably

@Sue2132873

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The other answers have indicated a need to prune, which is likely the best approach. That doesn't mean your characters are dead.

Look at it from a different perspective. Now you can promote those characters to protagonists in their own stories. Maybe they share the same universe, maybe not. You can decide that later.

Right now, you need to identify the primary story arc for this piece. Some characters and events are absolutely necessary for that arc to make sense and feel authentic. Everything else is a candidate for pruning. Importance to the story is a bigger priority than your personal attachment.

If you really like a particular character and his story but he just doesn't fit well into your existing work, then maybe you already have the seed for your second novel. Or maybe it'll end up as a few short stories instead---you don't need to decide right now.

You can keep the story clean (i.e., clear to your intended audience), give some characters a bigger spotlight, and build a foundation for more fiction all at once. You're not giving up anything at all; you're gaining a lot.

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