A central dramatic question in a novel is the main issue or conflict that drives the story forward and keeps readers engaged. It’s the “big question” that arises early in the narrative and creates tension, curiosity, and stakes.
The central dramatic question of your novel is the driving force behind your narrative. It is what your protagonist wants and is fighting for throughout the book. If you don’t have an easy-to-articulate central dramatic question, you probably don’t have a book that will sell.
Things to Consider
1. The Core Conflict
- Ask: What is the main struggle or problem in the story?
- The CDQ should revolve around the protagonist’s primary challenge, whether it’s internal (self-doubt, growth) or external (villain, circumstances).
2. The Protagonist’s Goal
- Ask: What does the protagonist want or need to achieve?
- The CDQ should reflect their journey and what’s at stake, creating urgency and purpose.
3. Stakes and Consequences
- Ask: What happens if the question isn’t resolved?
- High stakes make the CDQ more engaging. Readers need to feel the weight of failure for the protagonist.
4. Themes and Genre
- Ask: What overarching themes or genre conventions should the story explore?
- For example:
- In romance: “Will they fall in love despite the odds?”
- In a thriller: “Can they catch the killer before it’s too late?”
- In YA: “Will they find their true self while overcoming obstacles?”
5. Mystery and Tension
- Ask: Does the question create enough intrigue to keep readers hooked?
- A good CDQ leaves room for twists, obstacles, and surprises while being clear enough to drive the plot.
6. Resolution
- Ask: How will the question be answered by the end of the story?
- The CDQ should have a satisfying resolution that ties into the protagonist’s arc and the story’s conclusion.
Inkitt’s Suggestions for Your Novel
Nailing down a central dramatic question (CDQ) is like giving your story a GPS—it keeps everything on track and moving toward a purpose. Without it, your novel can wander all over the place, missing the tension and stakes that keep readers hooked. Nobody wants a plot that feels like it’s just along for the ride!
Nobody Puts My Novel in a Corner
Your novel is your baby, and like every great story, it needs structure. Sure, creative work is unique, but every book needs a central conflict to keep readers hooked from start to finish. The central dramatic question drives your protagonist’s journey, pushing them through tough obstacles to reach their goal.
Even if your story is about healing or personal growth, it still needs a clear conflict and a protagonist striving for something they can’t achieve without serious effort. Without that, your novel might need some editing to truly shine.
Examples in Books
Anne of Green Gables was a childhood favorite of mine. If you’d asked back then, I’d have said it’s about a spirited girl who changes the lives of an elderly brother-sister pair when they adopt her—a sweet slice-of-life story or a character study about learning to love.
As a reader, my job was simple: enjoy the story and maybe recommend it to others.
But the writer’s job? That’s a whole different game. They had to craft a compelling central dramatic question to keep me turning pages—or popping in the next VHS tape (yes, I’m dating myself here!).
Writing with a Question in Mind
To keep Anne of Green Gables engaging, the writers built the series around drama and conflict.
The central dramatic question at the start is, Will Anne adapt to her new home before being sent back to the orphanage? Every scene and character reaction flowed from that question, giving the story structure to explore deeper themes like family, love, and acceptance. The central question usually arises around the inciting incident, so if you’re plotting or revising, make sure it’s clear—your readers will thank you!
Final Thoughts
Every great novel has a central dramatic question—the big “What’s going to happen?” that keeps readers flipping pages late into the night. It’s the heartbeat of your story, giving it focus, purpose, and those can’t-put-it-down vibes.
Without it, a novel can feel like it’s wandering in circles. But don’t worry, we at Inkitt are here to help! We’ll guide you in nailing that all-important question, and our library is packed with perfect examples of how it’s done. Ready to craft a story readers won’t stop talking about? Let’s make it happen!
