Hey Wit!
Have you ever been in a group where everything seemed fine, but something felt off? Like, maybe the group had just been talking about you before you arrived? And they weren't saying how awesome you were?
Lean into that feeling as you take in this lesson.
Because today, we're going to talk about your hero’s people.
Welcome to the Campfire. 🔥
This is the moment where new characters arrive—or come into focus—and your story starts to feel alive. Not because of the plot.
Because of the people.
Here’s where a lot of writers go wrong: They treat side characters like accessories.
Extra bodies. Background noise. Emotional support humans.
But in a strong story, every character is there to shape the hero—not just to help them or to cheer them on.
At the Campfire (The B-Story in Save the Cat), you’re building your ensemble.
And no—everyone doesn’t have to get along. In fact, they shouldn’t.
You want contrast. Tension. Energy.
Ask...
- Who challenges your hero?
- Who softens them?
- Who pushes them too far?
- Who sees right through them?
And most importantly:
👉 Who forces your hero to confront what they need—not just what they want?
That’s your foil.
The mirror.
The one who makes your hero uncomfortable in the exact way they need to grow.
But let’s make things a little spicier.
Because someone at your Campfire doesn’t fully belong.
They might:
- Have a different agenda
- Be holding something back
- Be aligned… but only for now
This doesn’t have to be a full betrayal (yet). Sometimes it’s just a seed.
A quiet “something’s off” that the reader can feel before they can explain.
And that right there is story gold.
Because while external conflict is interesting, internal tension is what keeps people turning pages.
Choose ONE character and give them something they’re not saying.
- A hidden motive.
- A private fear.
- A different goal.
Now go back and rewrite a scene with that in mind.
Don’t make it obvious. Just let it simmer under the surface.
Your reader will feel it.
Stories don’t come alive because of what happens.
They come alive because of who’s in the fire together.
Channel your inner evil and do that whole rubbing-hands-together-while-giggling maniacally. Build your people well, my friends!
And happy writing! 🔥
