Kryptonite

Tell me if this sounds familiar. The young warrior/wizard/Jedi/Strega/hobbit/dragon-rider/space traveler starts out without many skills or knowhow. As the story progresses, the character acquires power and knowledge so he/she can ultimately face the Forces of Evil. The character may be given a mentor or some other protection, but that safety net can’t last throughout the story. The climax occurs when a vulnerable protagonist finally faces a much more powerful foe. Something special about the protagonist allows him/her to triumph.

The first three examples that oozed into my brain are:

1. David has to slay Goliath using only a sling.
2. Harry Potter can’t take the elder wand from Dumbledore’s grave because it would give him too large of an advantage against the soul-shattered Lord Voldemort.
3. Luke Skywalker has to abandon his Jedi training until Yoda is on his deathbed because Luke has to figure out how to win on his own.

A plot is compelling as long as the reader is worried about the ultimate victory. The moment protagonists become all-powerful, they’re no fun anymore. We’ve all read books where the young trainee keeps acquiring power until he or she became invincible. Story over.

Every character must have a kryptonite. While it may be impossible to work green space metals into the plot, self-doubt, fear or mistaken beliefs will also work.