A Good Story

What's essential to any story is a conflict that develops and becomes more complex evenly throughout the whole story. One that reveals just enough at certain times to keep the reader engaged and encouraged to read more in order to find out what happens next; it maintains a good amount of mystery and fulfills the readers expectations. Character development goes hand in hand with the plot's development; characters should react and evolve realistically according to the developments in conflict. The plot fails to be compelling or effective if the characters are not reflecting their environment adequately. For instance, in Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?, the story would have been entirely unsuccessful if the main character did not transition from an angsty, self centered teen to someone whose bubble has been popped and is now thrust into a harsh and terrifying reality.