Here's a breakdown:
Plot-driven stories:
* Focus: The events and their sequence are paramount. The plot is complex and intricate, with twists, turns, and surprising developments.
* Characters: Often serve as vehicles for the plot, with their personalities and motivations being secondary to the events unfolding.
* Examples: Thrillers, mysteries, action-adventure, science fiction
Character-driven stories:
* Focus: The characters' inner lives, motivations, relationships, and growth are at the heart of the story. The plot serves as a framework to explore these aspects.
* Plot: May be simpler, focusing on the characters' journeys and decisions. The plot may not be full of action or external conflict, but instead emphasizes emotional and internal struggles.
* Examples: Romance, literary fiction, coming-of-age stories
Blend of both:
* Many stories combine elements of both plot and character development.
* The best stories often strike a balance between the two, allowing the plot to drive the story forward while giving characters the space to grow and evolve.
Ultimately, the answer to your question depends on the specific story and the author's intentions. Both plot and characters are crucial elements of a good story, and the best stories find a way to effectively integrate them.
Here are some questions to consider when analyzing a story:
* What are the driving forces of the story? Is it the external events or the characters' motivations?
* How much do the characters change and grow over the course of the story?
* What are the key conflicts in the story? Are they mainly external or internal?
By asking these questions, you can better understand the balance between plot and character in a particular story.