What if I don't know my protagonist?

Episode Description:

In this special bonus episode, Claire shares practical, story-focused advice for one of the most common (and frustrating) issues writers face: not knowing their protagonist. Whether your main character feels flat, unmotivated, or like a stranger you just can’t crack, this episode offers a clear path forward—with help from the Enneagram, of course.

Claire explains how understanding your protagonist’s core fear and desire can unlock their behavior, clarify their voice, and get your story moving again. She also walks you through the process of choosing the right Enneagram type for your character, using concrete examples to show how motivation drives everything from plot to emotional depth.

Plus, she shares an exciting update about her new book, Write Iconic Characters, and its currently-running Kickstarter campaign!

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why some protagonists “refuse” to follow the plot—and how to fix it

• How to use Enneagram types to shape character motivation

• What to do when you’ve blended multiple Enneagram types by accident

• The simplest way to start creating a protagonist who feels authentic

• Why writing your own Enneagram type can actually be a storytelling superpower

• How to reverse-engineer your protagonist based on your story world or theme

• What to do if your usual character-building methods aren’t working

Back the Write Iconic Characters Kickstarter (ends Aug 8): https://liberatedwriter.com/kickstarter

Support the Show:

If you found this episode thought-provoking and helpful, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with fellow authors. Every review helps more writers discover this resource.

Access the transcript here.

Happy Writing!