main character resolve

Question: What exactly does the Main Character Resolve mean? Can you give examples?

Answer: Main Characte Resolve refers to how the main character resolves his/her inner conflict.

Your main character will be pressured during the course of the story to change, to grow, to become something, to overcome a limitation, to adopt a new approach, to see things differently, etc.

The main character's personal crisis is the moment when he/she must ultimately decide whether to change or to remain steadfast (perhaps becoming more determined to stick to his/her guns).

This choice then (usually) determines whether he/she is able to achieve the story goal. Neither main character nor the reader can be sure ahead of time which choice is the right one, or whether it will result in the main character being happier or at peace by the end of the story. This mystery creates an emotional pull for the reader.

Some examples...

Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: A New Hope decides to start trusting his feelings/the Force rather than technology (his targeting computer), which allows him to destroy the Death Star

Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi holds steadfast to the teachings of Yoda and Obi wan Kenobi. He refuses to give into the temptation to join the dark side. As a result, he and his father are able to defeat the Emperor.

Throughout The Hunger Games, Katniss lets herself be changed in order to survive (becoming a hunter, becoming a tribute, becoming a killer). But after the death of Rue, she draws a line and adopts Peeta's approach -- which is to not let the games change him. Hence, Katniss refuses to kill Peeta in the finale, choosing to defy the Capitol with a suicide pact. This decision allows both her and Peeta to survive.

Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice changes by giving up her prejudice against her suitor, Mr. Darcy, which results in her achieving a happy marriage.

Rick in Casablanca changes by giving up his selfish isolation and making choices that favour the common good - including giving up the woman he loves.

George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life ultimately remains steadfast in his selflessness, and is rewarded by having all the people he helped band together to save him from an unfair disaster.

Ebeneezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol changes his selfish ways, and is thus able to save Tiny Tim from an early death.

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