Thou Shalt Not Make Life Easy for Your Protagonist

I recently had the privilege of participating in the mentorship program at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I spoke to several filmmaking classes about my screenwriting career, and probably dropped too many f-bombs.

The students shared some terrific projects with me, full of vision and promise. One common thread stood out. Many of these stories could use a sharper dose of conflict, tension, and escalating stakes.

Robert McKee used to say, “Thou shalt not make life easy for the protagonist.” It’s a simple rule that carries real power. Too often, we protect our characters instead of challenging them. We forget that audience engagement and rooting interest come from watching someone face serious obstacles and fight their way through.

When I’m building a story, I like to ask, “What’s the worst possible thing that could happen to this character right now?” Then I make that happen. Challenge them. Beat them up. Trap them in a situation that feels impossible to escape. Force them to earn their victories.

This isn’t just for action movies or monster flicks. In a family drama, the “monster” might be an economic reversal, an emotional betrayal, or a devastating personal loss. These quieter but deeply human reversals can be just as gripping as explosions and chase scenes.

Stories come alive when characters are tested. Give them real problems. Push them to their limits. And let the audience lean forward, watching your characters claw their way to catharsis.