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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/45478
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

I often find myself coming up with seemingly compelling premises and world settings, but unable to come up with equally compelling character or plot.

For example, I am currently thinking about a premise where a desert empire's emperor becomes obsessed with building a tower, and mobilizing the entire empire in a grueling construction project that seem to never finish, because no matter how tall the tower reached, the emperor simply demanded taller. The story is supposed to begin after this obsession had seized the emperor for decades, and the endlessly ambitious task had fundamentally transformed the empire itself into a ceaseless engine of conquest and industry. The main character, whoever that be, is supposed to infiltrate the empire's ranks, perhaps seeking vengeance against the emperor's cruel conquests, or perhaps simply curious about the reason behind the emperor's obsession, whatever the case, the main character will eventually form some idea about the truth of the matter.

All that being said, I have little clue what the specific character or storyline should be, and have no clue where to start either. I want to know if there is any procedure that other writers use to conceive plot and character based on setting and themes.

Original score: 3