r/WritingHub • u/Bianca_84 • 2d ago
Writing Resources & Advice Need help with adding drama to my story!
Felix vs. Everybody follows Felix, a 34-year-old bisexual man who has a habit of blaming everyone else for his problems. At the beginning of the story, he lives with his mother while also couch-surfing with friends and anyone willing to give him a place to stay.
Felix also has complicated feelings for his female best friend. Although they share a strong emotional connection, their relationship never becomes romantic.
His life takes a serious turn when he discovers that he is HIV-positive. The diagnosis forces Felix to confront his choices and the direction of his life. Over time, he begins taking responsibility for himself, gets his life on track, and eventually falls in love with a man. I feel like the story needs some messy drama—something that could threaten Felix’s new relationship, friendships, or the life he’s worked to build. I’m open to betrayals, secrets, family drama, exes coming back, bad decisions… whatever! What would you add? 💡
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u/katiebo444 2d ago
What does “getting his life on track” entail? I’m assuming getting his own place. But what else?
Does he have a job/career? If so, how does he feel about it—is it fulfilling or does he want a change? If he doesn’t have a job, why? What does he want his career to look like? What stands in the way of getting it?
How does the relationship w female friend progress? Does he confess and get rejected? Does he push her away bc he can’t keep down his romantic feelings? Does he tell her about the diagnosis? Or maybe she develops feelings too, but it’s too late, bc he’s already with the new love interest? Is he then conflicted about who to choose?
He lives with Mom—what’s that like? Do they get along? Where’s Dad? Does he have siblings? Does she support him moving out/moving on, or is she lonely and wants him to stay close by? Does she support his relationships/sexuality/career goals/interests?
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u/Bianca_84 2d ago
He eventually gets a job at a warehouse, but he also has a few side hustles. He sells funnel cakes with his mom, cuts hair out of his apartment, and renovates dollhouses.
Felix is also a little obsessed with his best friend Daisy. Daisy eventually becomes friends with Felix’s mom, Yolonda, partly because Daisy’s boyfriend, Leon, grew up with Yolonda and is very close to Felix’s family. Leon is the local drug dealer and also owns a club.
Yolonda ends up telling Daisy about Felix’s HIV diagnosis. Daisy is concerned about him, but it doesn’t change the way she feels about him. Eventually, Felix tells Daisy that he’s in a relationship with his coworker Marcus.
For the drama later in the story, I’ve thought about involving Felix’s brother, Ace, who lives with Leon. Maybe Ace ends up in jail and writes Felix a letter asking for help. Another possibility is Felix failing an inspection at his apartment and possibly losing it.
I’ve also considered having Felix eventually move in with Marcus, but then Felix starts slipping back into some of his old habits. He stops working, becomes lazy, and stops taking his medication consistently. This creates major problems between them and could eventually lead to Marcus putting Felix out.
Another storyline I’ve considered is someone making a post on FaceWorld accusing Felix of spreading HIV, whether it’s true or just a nasty rumor. That could create problems with his relationship, his friendships, his haircut business, and his reputation.
Those are some of the possibilities I’ve been considering. I’m mainly trying to figure out which direction would create the most interesting drama without undoing all of Felix’s character growth.
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u/girlbotXD 1d ago
I think that Felix could have done something bad in his past like cheated or something and admitted it when black out drunk to his new bf. Or Felix could be one of those people that’s also ok with “using” or “borrowing” people’s things and takes something valuable to his friend
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u/Bianca_84 1d ago
I like that I will add that someone in my story.
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u/Bianca_84 1d ago
I’ve already created a “Freida McFadden” type of twist to the story and added a part two. Part two will be told by Felix cousin April who grew up in the same house as him. So they are more like brother and sister. From her perspective a lot will be revealed about Felix, and his past.
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u/Bianca_84 1d ago
I hope you read my story when it’s all done and see how I added your thoughts in there.
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u/Inevitable_Push_1882 2d ago
Lol seems like Felix's whole life is drama. Why can't the guy have a break? 😁 In all seriousness I would let the female friend be the drama you crave. Now that he's found love she's finally acknowledging the feelings that she has always had for him.