Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

What if your character doesn’t need to change—at all?

Many writers misunderstand character arc and accidentally weaken their stories by forcing transformation where it doesn’t belong. In this episode of The Storyteller’s Mission, Zena Dell Lowe explains why some of the most iconic protagonists succeed precisely because they don’t change—and how digging in can be a far more powerful form of growth.

This episode explores:

• The difference between changing characters and steadfast characters
• Why “digging in” can strengthen a hero instead of flattening them
• How weakness, not selfishness, creates redeemable protagonists
• Why forced character change often feels false on the page or screen
• How this principle applies to both heroes and villains

Whether you’re writing a novel, screenplay, or series, this episode will help you rethink character arc, avoid common storytelling traps, and write protagonists that feel authentic, grounded, and compelling.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Sign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories.

The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement.

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Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

What makes the stakes in a story truly matter?

In this episode of The Storyteller’s Mission, Zena Dell Lowe explains how to raise the stakes in your story without relying on gimmicks, artificial tension, or repetitive plot devices. This episode explores why high stakes are always tied to character, relationship, and consequence—and how meaningful escalation creates pressure that drives transformation.

From moral weight to relational cost to progressively harder choices, this conversation reframes how writers should think about stakes at every level of storytelling. Whether you’re working on a novel, screenplay, or short story, this episode provides a practical and timeless approach to making your story resonate more deeply with an audience.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Sign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories.

The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement.

Support the Show!

Contact us for anything else!

Send us a text

Support the show

Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

What makes the stakes in a story truly matter?

In this episode of The Storyteller’s Mission, Zena Dell Lowe explains how to raise the stakes in your story without relying on gimmicks, artificial tension, or repetitive plot devices. This episode explores why high stakes are always tied to character, relationship, and consequence—and how meaningful escalation creates pressure that drives transformation.

From moral weight to relational cost to progressively harder choices, this conversation reframes how writers should think about stakes at every level of storytelling. Whether you’re working on a novel, screenplay, or short story, this episode provides a practical and timeless approach to making your story resonate more deeply with an audience.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Sign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories.

The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement.

Support the Show!

Contact us for anything else!

Send us a text

Support the show