Confidant

What narrative purpose do they serve in the story?

E.g., how does their presence or absence impact the protagonist's actions?

What kind of listener are they?

Write a sample scene where the protagonist confides in them.

What kinds of things does the protagonist share with them?

And what key secrets does the confidant know about the protagonist? How do these secrets influence their advice or actions?

How does the confidant influence the protagonist’s internal conflict?

What about their personal growth? How does their perspective push the protagonist to change?

What personal stakes does the confidant have in the protagonist's success or failure, if any?

What do they also stand to gain or lose?

In what significant ways does the confidant break traditional tropes, if any?

Is their loyalty or support conditional?

What do they look like?

Describe the protagonist's first impression of them. Be specific about their defining features.

What is their general outlook on life?

E.g., are they an optimist, pessimist, realist, etc.?

What core personality traits define the confidant?

How do these traits shape interactions with the protagonist and others?

What mannerisms are signature to the confidant?

Show a conversation where their body language says more than words.

What is their biggest pet peeve or annoyance?

And is it something the protagonist is often responsible for?

What is the confidant's biggest emotional burden?

E.g., what subject do they resist discussing with the protagonist?

Who are the confidant’s closest allies or friends?

How do these relationships shape their behavior and choices?

What past relationships shaped the confidant’s current personality?

Write a flashback showing a defining past relationship.

How long have they known the protagonist?

Describe their first meeting.

How genuine is the connection between the confidant and the protagonist?

What would break it? Which values or principles do they clash over?

If the confidant wasn’t in the story, how would the protagonist’s journey be different?

Additionally, if the confidant and the protagonist separate, how does it impact both of them?

How might the confidant advance the story?

For instance, do they serve as catalysts for events or decisions?

Which decisions are they pivotal in influencing?

How do their opinions, advice, or interventions affect outcomes?

What key scenes showcase their value as a confidant?

Show their influence in a small, seemingly insignificant moment that has big repercussions.

How do they contribute to the story’s thematic depth?

E.g., do they embody ideals, flaws, or contradictions relevant to the narrative?

How do they challenge or provoke the protagonist to grow?

How does confrontation or questioning shape the protagonist’s arc?