Coming of Age: Story Elements
I have always enjoyed coming of age stories. The development of characters, lessons that are learned, and descriptive elements make it my favorite genre of stories and films.
Due to my love for the “finding yourself” genre, I decided to focus on coming of age plots while writing my own art. Interested in reading a couple? What If, If Only. Dear, Her.
Chances are, you also enjoy the coming of age genre—and maybe you’re even interested in writing a few stories of your own.
Either way, I am here to provide you with all of the elements a great coming of age story should have.
Coming of Age and Representation
Before we get into coming of age elements, I’d like to say—representation is extremely important during the development of coming of age plots.
While outlining your story—or simply thinking about your characters—be sure to think about what audiences need to be represented. What kinds of problems need to be conveyed? Seen?
Even more, what groups are currently underrepresented and need their stories heard?
When I first started writing, I knew that I wanted to focus on representing queer culture throughout my works. As a queer woman, myself, I was tired of the “straight” trope. Sure, there is nothing wrong with woman meets man and falls in love. But, how were those stories affecting me—aside from entertainment?
I wanted to feel.
So, I knew that I wanted my plots to center and encompass the ever-changing emotions and pure vulnerability of queer love. And, that’s exactly what I’ve done in all of my stories.
And although representation is a much needed concept in the literary world—never stereotype any group. Literally, ever. If you’re unsure about something (like queer terms or lingo)—research it. If there’s further confusion my best advice is—not to write it.
Protagonist in Coming of Age Story
Every good story—whether coming of age or not—needs a good protagonist.
In other words—this character has major main character energy and is usually the one to undergo an eye-opening transformation.
There are loads of advice out there—from other experienced writers—that tell you what types of personality traits your protagonist should have depending on the trope.
My advice? Give your characters qualities that resonate with—you.
Because illustrative examples are usually helpful, I’ll explain what I mean.
Let’s say you’re writing a coming of age story about a woman moving away from home and attending college. The first characteristics coming to mind may be: anxious, excited, and ambitious.
Let’s also say that this protagonist is on a quest to find love. So, you jot down a few personality traits that she may have. Maybe characteristics such as: romantic, adventurous, and optimistic.
So, while writing the story you may initially think that because this character is on a quest to change her life—both academically and romantically—that she must encompass these qualities.
I’m here to tell you—think outside of the box.
Every coming of age romance novel does not have to have these qualities. Instead, your protagonist could be: pessimistic and lazy.
Her quest for love could be due to fulfilling an internal void rather than love.
In a nutshell, have fun with your protagonist. Go against the grain.
Antagonist
Before I get into this, I want to take the negative connotation out of an antagonist.
Too often, writers think that this person has to have horrible traits. That is further from the truth.
In my humble opinion, this person helps the protagonist reach their “aha moment”. Not in an altruistic way. But rather, a supporting character way.
For instance, let’s say that the protagonist from the first example meets a potential partner.
Let’s also say—that throughout their relationship the protagonist realizes that she in fact—does not want love. And instead, wants to live life on her own terms as an independent woman.
But, because a good story has conflict and a few climaxes—the audiences view the interactions and disagreements between the protagonist and the antagonist.
You see, where this is going? Thanks to the antagonist, the protagonist had her transformation. Her moment.
And through the development of the characters and plot—this would be considered a coming of age story.
Supporting Characters
Coming of age stories always contain a protagonist and an antagonist.
You must also include supporting characters. These fictional people help move the story along.
Let me use the previous example to explain what I mean.
So, we have the protagonist (college bound woman, remember?). The antagonist (her potential partner). And we are watching, well reading, her story unfold.
Sure, the plot is engaging but who helps her and gives her advice during this self-transformation? That’s where the supporting characters come in.
You can be extremely creative for these characters, the relationship dynamics, and the reappearance throughout your story.
A Lesson and Coming of Age Plot
Every protagonist learns a lesson in a coming of age story. This element is probably one of the most important.
While outlining your story or free writing it’s a good idea to decide what lesson she, he, they/them will learn. This helps with developing the plot and the “aha moment”.
Because writing is subjective, the lessons that your protagonist learns should be representative of your ideas and audiences. However, here are some general ideas that are great for coming of age stories:
- Self-love
- Independence
- Accomplishing goals
- Putting yourself first
- Letting go of bad habits
- Communicating and repairing relationships
- Resolving trauma
- A glow up
- Redefining beliefs
- Sexuality and falling in love
Of course this list isn’t reflective of all coming of age lessons and experiences. But, it’s a good guide to developing an amazing plot.
A Continuation
As I’ve met other writers, I’ve realized that a lot of authors enjoy writing series.
To date, I haven’t written any but I do understand how a coming of age series would be a great idea.
Perhaps, your character has even more lessons to learn. Or, you want to introduce or re-introduce supporting characters. And maybe—just maybe—you’d like to add in yet another antagonist.
Whichever route you decide to go on in your story—remember to remained focused on your character’s growth. The audience needs to understand why the protagonist is having an “aha moment”. Or a few “aha moments”, rather.
My best advice: keep the story consistent while incorporating different tropes.
I hope this advice was helpful. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below!