Write Strong Protagonists
Build complex characters. Craft better arcs. Write authentic voices.
Core Principles of Protagonists helps writers create deep, meaningful main characters.
Free Booklet
Many writers focus too much on figuring out surface details about their protagonists and don’t know how to add dimension and depth to them. Write protagonists readers can't resist. Write protagonists who matter.
In this Booklet You'll Learn . . .
➡️ The 4 Types of Character Arcs
➡️ How Plot & Theme are Influenced by Protagonist
➡️ Your Character's Most Important Backstory
➡️ The Want vs. Need Conflict
➡️ Exactly How to Make Any Character Complex
➡️ How to Convey Character Quickly
➡️ The Dos and Don'ts of Voice
➡️ Helps for Introducing Your Protagonist
➡️ And more
Subscribe to my mailing list to get a free copy and receive writing tips via email.
After confirming your subscription from your inbox, you will be directed to the booklet,
which you can download or "bookmark."
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at SeptemberCFawkes@gmail.com
Want more?
You may be interested in my online writing course . . .
Write the Story that
Actually Works
Build stronger characters, a stronger plot, and a stronger theme by focusing on the bones of story.
The Triarchy Method helps serious writers up their game in
84 days, without sacrificing quality or burning out.
The Triarchy Method is a live online course designed to help you craft your best book by focusing on what matters most: the core elements of story.
You'll learn how to brainstorm stronger material, determine what truly belongs in your story, and avoid wasting time writing what doesn't. Craft a page-turning plot with compelling characters that sticks with readers long after they’ve closed the book . . . (and likely leads them to preorder your next book.)
If You've Been Stuck . . .
(Re)writing scenes, acts & arcs
Creating flat, passive characters
Or unengaging plots
On what happens next & how
The Triarchy Method will illuminate your way to a stronger, solid story.
Many aspiring authors are taught about writing “backward”—learning writing rules (like "show, don't tell") and how to write in a pleasing style, first. But these are the cosmetics of storytelling, and no matter how riveting your lines, they won’t tell a good story if the story itself is “broken.” If the story’s bones are broken.
Whether You are . . .
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Brainstorming
Writing
Revising
A "pantser"
A "plotter"
This method will work.
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Any genre (fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, historical, romance, etc.)
Any medium (novel, film, play, graphic novel, comic)
Any category (middle grade, young adult, adult)*
The 3 Essential Elements that Make this Method Work
These breakthrough insights flip everything you've been taught about writing.
#1 Character
The Rib Cage of Story
Character holds the emotional heart of the narrative. It's how readers connect, through empathy.
We'll cover your protagonist’s internal wants and backstory, the four basic types of arcs, how to build a balanced cast, and how to make characters complex. We'll also discuss agency, archetypes, relationships, and more.
#2 Plot
The Backbone of Story
Plot holds the story upright and together. It creates the narrative arc that runs from beginning to end.
We'll cover the importance of goals, how to choose the right antagonistic forces, how to make conflicts meaningful, and why stakes are critical to keep the pages turning. We'll also discuss progress and setbacks, escalating costs, turning points, reveals, twists, and more.
#3 Theme
The Skull of Story
Theme hosts the intellect of story. It’s how the reader gleans meaning that sticks with them long afterThe End. It’s why the story "matters."
We'll discuss theme's often misunderstood components, and how to show them effectively through the story. We will go over why nearly every story needs a strong argument and counterargument, how theme should be explored and questioned through the middle, and how the right ending will leave a lasting impact.
Some stories may emphasize one bone over the others, but it’s these 3 elements that turn ideas into stories. You may have interesting concepts—even phenomenal ones—but until these bones are solid, your story won't be. Everything else is an appendage.
These are principles, not laws, which means there is room for variation.
Build the story you want to write—it's best, most powerful version.
What You Get When You Join Today
Inside the Triarchy Method, you'll learn how to:
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Structure character, plot, and theme properly
Always write scenes that progress the story
Figure out what happens next more easily
Fix plots that de-escalate or go nowhere
Create compelling protagonists who exercise agency
Avoid writing hundreds of pages that need to be cut
Develop a plot that keeps readers turning pages
Properly arc relationships (ex. enemies to lovers, strangers to friends)
Craft a meaningful theme that resonates without being preachy
Structure multiple plotlines
Brainstorm better material
Write meaningful conflict and stronger antagonists
Create supporting characters who stay relevant & meaningful
Raise the stakes
Fix slow beginnings or saggy middles
Stop rewriting parts to only make them marginally better
and more
The Complete Triarchy Method Course
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24 Classes (75-Minutes Each, Recorded Live)
16 Developmental Assignments with Personalized Feedback
~2-3k Words (8 -12 pages) Workshopped
A Final Guided Outline
Writing Groups & Partnerships (Optional)
Access to Our Online 2026 Group
Your Questions Answered by the Instructor
Slides for Each Class
Relevant Articles & Handouts
ONLY 9 STUDENTS TO ENSURE EVERY STORY GETS LOTS OF ATTENTION
⚠️ Enroll to reserve your spot!
Classes run June 9th - Aug. 27th
Tuesdays & Thursdays
7 pm EDT (5 pm MDT)
(every class is recorded if you can't attend,
rewatch classes over and over)
ADD-ON Outline Feedback
✅ Ensure your whole story is solid
✅ Get suggestions for improvements
✅ Foresee and fix final problems
✅ Check that character, plot, and theme are strong
✅ Make sure they're properly structured
✅ And principles properly applied
✅ Get guidance on variations and "rule breaks"
✅ Gain confidence in your superior story
For your final project in the Triarchy Method, you will be given a guided outline to fill out for your story on your own. Receive feedback from the instructor with this add-on.
What Our Students Say
"I have a PhD in English and have been writing novels since I was a child, but the plots and storylines just never seemed to click . . .
I wish so much I could have taken this class years ago; it would have saved me years of bumbling around and writing ineffectively. I have literally been telling everyone I know how great this class was.”
- Maia K.
"As a complete beginner, I had dreams of writing the book I had in my head but no structure to make those writing dreams a real possibility. When I finished the course, I had a real understanding of what it takes to move my book to a completed novel. Each class I learned so much about how to write a great book, and my mind was opened to what was possible."
- Kim W.
"I submitted my project to AutoCrit’s Novel 90 Challenge, and I won the grand prize! The quality of my writing owes so much to September's teaching and amazing edits. I’ve grown as a writer because of what I learned from her. This award would have never been possible without her support. Specifically, her kind words during the Triarchy course gave me the courage to write it."
- LA Petrie
Meet Your Instructor
Hi, September C. Fawkes here. I work as a freelance editor, writing instructor, and award-winning writing tip blogger. I have edited for both award-winning and best-selling authors, as well as beginning writers. For over 15 years, I've been helping writers like you level-up their work.
If you bring the dream, I'll bring my tools, and together we'll make your story bone-solid.