How to Plot a Fantasy Novel: Because Dragons Deserve Better Character Arcs

How to Plot a Fantasy Novel: Because Dragons Deserve Better Character Arcs

Fantasy novels are a unique blend of imagination, world-building, and storytelling. Crafting a compelling plot for a fantasy novel requires a delicate balance of creativity, structure, and a touch of madness. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the labyrinth of fantasy plotting, with a sprinkle of unconventional wisdom.

1. Start with a Strong Premise

Every great fantasy novel begins with a strong premise. This is the core idea that will drive your story. Whether it’s a quest to save the world, a battle for the throne, or a journey to discover one’s true identity, your premise should be clear and compelling. Think about what makes your story unique. Is it the world you’ve created, the characters, or the central conflict? Your premise should be something that excites you and will captivate your readers.

2. Develop a Rich World

Fantasy novels thrive on world-building. Your world should feel alive, with its own history, cultures, and rules. Consider the geography, politics, and magic systems of your world. How do these elements influence the lives of your characters? A well-developed world can add depth and complexity to your story, making it more immersive for your readers.

3. Create Complex Characters

Characters are the heart of any story. In a fantasy novel, your characters should be as complex and multifaceted as the world they inhabit. Think about their motivations, fears, and desires. How do they change and grow throughout the story? Give your characters flaws and strengths that make them relatable and memorable. Remember, even the most powerful wizard can have a fear of spiders.

4. Establish Clear Goals and Stakes

Your characters should have clear goals that drive the plot forward. These goals can be personal, such as finding a lost loved one, or grand, like saving the kingdom from destruction. Whatever the goals, they should be meaningful and tied to the stakes of the story. What happens if your characters fail? The higher the stakes, the more tension and excitement you can create.

5. Weave in Subplots

Subplots add layers to your story and can provide depth to your main plot. These can be romantic entanglements, political intrigues, or personal quests. Subplots should intersect with the main plot in meaningful ways, adding complexity and richness to the narrative. They can also provide opportunities for character development and world-building.

6. Build Tension and Conflict

Conflict is the engine that drives your story. In a fantasy novel, conflict can take many forms—physical battles, magical duels, or ideological clashes. Build tension by placing obstacles in your characters’ paths and forcing them to make difficult choices. The more your characters struggle, the more satisfying their eventual triumphs will be.

7. Use Pacing to Your Advantage

Pacing is crucial in a fantasy novel. You need to balance action-packed scenes with quieter moments of reflection and character development. Too much action can overwhelm your readers, while too little can bore them. Use pacing to control the flow of your story, building up to climactic moments and allowing time for the aftermath.

8. Foreshadow and Plant Chekhov’s Guns

Foreshadowing is a powerful tool in fantasy storytelling. By hinting at future events, you can create a sense of anticipation and inevitability. Plant Chekhov’s guns—objects, characters, or events that will become important later in the story. When these elements pay off, your readers will feel a sense of satisfaction and cohesion.

9. Craft a Satisfying Ending

The ending of your fantasy novel should resolve the main plot and subplots in a satisfying way. It doesn’t have to be a happy ending, but it should feel earned and consistent with the story you’ve told. Consider the themes of your novel and how the ending reflects them. A well-crafted ending can leave a lasting impression on your readers.

10. Embrace the Unexpected

Fantasy is a genre that thrives on the unexpected. Don’t be afraid to take risks and surprise your readers. Introduce twists and turns that challenge your characters and keep your readers guessing. The more unpredictable your story, the more memorable it will be.

11. Revise and Refine

Writing a fantasy novel is a marathon, not a sprint. Once you’ve completed your first draft, take the time to revise and refine your story. Look for plot holes, inconsistencies, and areas where the pacing drags. Seek feedback from beta readers and be open to making changes. The revision process is where your story truly comes to life.

12. Stay True to Your Vision

Finally, stay true to your vision. Writing a fantasy novel is a deeply personal endeavor, and it’s important to tell the story you want to tell. Don’t be swayed by trends or external pressures. Trust your instincts and let your imagination run wild. After all, the best fantasy novels are the ones that come from the heart.


Q: How do I create a unique magic system for my fantasy novel? A: Start by defining the rules and limitations of your magic system. Consider how magic is learned, who can use it, and what the consequences are. A unique magic system should feel integral to your world and influence the plot and characters in meaningful ways.

Q: How can I make my fantasy world feel real? A: Focus on the details. Think about the everyday lives of your characters, the history of your world, and how different cultures interact. Use sensory descriptions to bring your world to life, and show how the world affects your characters’ actions and decisions.

Q: What’s the best way to handle multiple POVs in a fantasy novel? A: Each POV character should have a distinct voice and perspective. Make sure their storylines intersect and contribute to the main plot. Use chapter breaks or clear transitions to switch between POVs, and avoid head-hopping within scenes.

Q: How do I balance world-building with plot progression? A: Integrate world-building into the plot and character development. Show the world through the characters’ experiences and actions rather than relying on exposition. Use dialogue, action, and internal thoughts to reveal the world naturally as the story unfolds.

Q: What’s the key to writing a compelling fantasy villain? A: A compelling villain should have clear motivations and a believable backstory. They should pose a genuine threat to the protagonist and challenge them in meaningful ways. Avoid making your villain purely evil; give them depth and complexity to make them more relatable and memorable.