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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/26840
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

 **This scenario seems to be character-based to me.** You may not yet have developed your characters "fully", but that could come through actual writing and a bit of outlining.

It seems that you have simply had an idea, but yet to _create_ it. Have you tried turning your "odd scenarios" into actual writing and not just summaries of "a situation"? It may help. For me, the characters create themselves when I write about them (it takes time) even if I "sketched them" somewhat differently.

You may, as you write, naturally stumble upon background information about how/why the guy would end up wanting to hold santa hostage (childhood trauma, bad manners, loneliness?) and this, among other things, may shape your character going forward as well. How was he sentenced to go to prison? what was his trial like? Were there any trouble determining if an actual crime was committed based on the "is santa real?" question?

Depending on the mood you create, this could develop into a comedy or maybe a psychological thriller based on delusions - just brainstorming..

Most likely, none of this will become clear to you until you actually write a part of the story. You can always remove parts of the story that you are unsatisfied with, but almost all writing helps your understanding of your characters and your story.

Original score: 4