on Helping Writers become Authors:
Here’s what’s most important for writers to understand about story stakes. Story stakes are what characters stand to lose if they fail—not what they gain if they succeed. Stakes are the emotional cost of the story’s outcome and the primary reason readers care what happens next.
Character motivations drive your story. The protagonist’s motivation informs the primary story goal, which is what creates the plot. This motivation always comes down to your story’s stakes. What’s at stake for your characters?
Ask yourself:
- Why are your characters trying to win the war?
- Win the love interest?
- Win the race?
What they get if they win isn’t nearly as important as what they stand to lose if they don’t.
In other words, what’s at stake?
Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog 