A complication in a narrative is an event or circumstance that introduces conflict, uncertainty, or challenges for the characters and the story's overall direction.
It's the moment when things start getting interesting, and the protagonist's journey becomes less straightforward. Complications create tension, raise stakes, and force characters to make difficult decisions. They can be internal struggles, external obstacles, or a combination of both.
Here are some examples of complications in narratives:
- A character's secret is revealed, creating conflict with loved ones.
- A natural disaster disrupts the protagonist's plans.
- A rival emerges, challenging the protagonist's goals.
- A character experiences a personal loss, leading to emotional turmoil.
- A hidden agenda is uncovered, forcing characters to question their trust.
Complications serve several crucial functions in storytelling:
- They drive the plot forward. Complications create momentum and urgency, compelling the reader to keep turning the pages.
- They develop characters. By facing challenges, characters reveal their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.
- They increase the stakes. Complications raise the potential consequences of failure, making the story more engaging.
- They create suspense and intrigue. By introducing uncertainty, complications keep the reader guessing about what will happen next.
