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drpaladin

drpaladin 108,080
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Without some struggle there can be no pride of accomplishment.

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Bill W

Bill W 61,561
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"Struggle" originated in late 14th century Middle English (struglen, strogelen), likely as a frequentative verb -- implying repeated action -- of obscure origin.  It is related to Germanic terms for stumbling or, more likely, a physical, twisting motion, cognate with Scots strugil and perhaps Middle Dutch struyckelen (to stumble) or proto-Germanic strūk- ("to be stiff, to bristle, to stumble").  Struggle originally meant to "wrestle or grapple", which later evolved into the broader sense of making laborious, intense efforts, or experiencing difficulty.  

According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the verb struggle was first used in English during the Middle English period (1150-1500), with the earliest evidence dating to around 1386 in the writings of Geoffrey Chaucer.  It is of unknown origin and is used to describe strenuous exertion or conflict.  The noun form appeared later, in the late 1600s, with the earliest evidence from 1692. 
Verb (struggle): 1386 (Middle English).  Noun (struggle): 1692 (Late 1600s).  Adjective (struggling😞 1577. Noun (struggler: 1554.

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Bill W

Bill W 61,561
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Struggle is considered the "lifeblood" or engine of storytelling, serving as the primary mechanism that transforms a sequence of events into a compelling narrative. Without struggle—defined as a heartfelt effort against resistance—a story lacks tension, stakes, and the necessary momentum to keep readers engaged. 
 
Drives the Plot Forward:  
Overcoming Obstacles: Stories require characters to encounter obstacles that block them from achieving their goals. This creates a "gap" between desire and reality, forcing action. 
Prevents Stagnation: Without conflict or struggle, plots fall flat and become boring. 
Increases Pacing and Tension: The constant threat and need to overcome resistance (whether external or internal) create suspense and keep readers turning pages. 
 
Develops Character and Empathy: 
Reveals True Character: A character's true nature is shown in times of crisis, revealing their strengths, weaknesses, fears, and values.
Forces Change and Growth: Characters often start with flaws or limitations. Struggle forces them to adapt, learn new skills, and transform, creating a meaningful character arc. 
Builds Relatability: Readers connect with characters who struggle, as it mirrors the hardships experienced in real life. 
 
Enhances Reader Engagement: 
High Stakes: Meaningful struggle, where characters risk losing something valuable (love, safety, identity), makes the audience invested in the outcome.
Emotional Investment: By forcing characters to earn their victories, the audience experiences a sense of catharsis, relief, or satisfaction when the struggle is resolved. 
 
Provides Thematic Depth:  
Conveys Meaning: Struggles are the primary vehicle for delivering the story's message or theme. 
Explores Humanity: Through internal (mental/emotional) and external (social/physical) struggles, writers can explore complex human experiences and moral dilemmas. 
 
Types of Struggle in Storytelling: 
Internal: Person vs. Self (e.g., battling self-doubt, trauma, or moral decisions). 
External: Person vs. Person, Nature, Society, Technology, or Fate. 
 
Tips for Incorporating Struggle: 
Make it Personal: Ensure the conflict matters deeply to the protagonist. 
Raise the Stakes: Continuously increase the potential consequences of failure. 
Avoid "Easy" Solutions: Do not make the conflict easily overcome; struggle should be earned. 
Use Both Types: Combine internal and external struggles to create multi-dimensional, compelling narratives. 
Edited by Bill W
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