Micro-obstacles and Flow

Focusing on major plot points, some authors forget to include little problems in between that create contraction, tightness, and irritation. Those annoying tension-creating events (Micro-obstacles) build up characters’ frustration pressure. The characters can’t help but release that steam during a resultant moment of Flow such as in an outburst of uncharacteristic honesty.

Ever wonder how to reveal facts without a tedious info-dump? Well, here’s how: lead up to relaying facts with multiple Micro-obstacles to the information exchange. When characters finally learn or explain, the news will matter more to them and to the audience.

So, after Micro-obstacles lead to unbalanced Flow, that almost results in a major conflict. Learn varied effects of Micro-obstacles at strategic times, in appropriate genres, for the correct characters. If you haven’t noticed this pattern before, you might be surprised how commonly writers use this tactic, and what opportunities you’re missing if you don’t.

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