What to Do When Your Story Doesn’t Make Sense?

We’ve all been there—writing a story, getting into the flow, only to hit a wall when things just don’t add up anymore. It’s frustrating, especially when you’ve invested time and energy into a plot or characters, and then, suddenly, it feels like they’re not working together. If you’ve ever wondered, “What should I do when my story doesn’t make sense?”, don’t worry. I’ve been in your shoes, and I’m here to share a few tips that can help you fix it.

Recognizing the Signs That Something’s Off

1. Inconsistent Characters

One of the first signs that your story might be off track is when your characters stop behaving consistently. Maybe your protagonist, who was once brave, suddenly becomes overly fearful without any explanation. Or a villain who was originally supposed to be sly and manipulative suddenly acts out of character. I’ve faced this problem when I was writing a character who, halfway through the story, started making decisions that didn’t match her personality at all. It was like watching someone you thought you knew suddenly make completely irrational choices.

Honestly, it took me a long time to realize that the issue wasn’t with the character itself, but with how I had failed to flesh out her backstory properly. Once I corrected that, things started making sense again.

2. Plot Holes

Plot holes are another huge red flag. They’re easy to overlook when you’re deep into writing, but when something happens that doesn’t quite make sense—like a character knowing something they shouldn’t, or an event being triggered without enough foreshadowing—it can throw off the entire story. I remember writing a suspense scene in one of my drafts, where the protagonist had no way of knowing an important piece of information. It felt like a leap, and sure enough, my readers pointed it out.

How to Fix a Story That Doesn’t Make Sense

1. Take a Step Back

Well, the first thing you should do is step away for a little bit. It sounds counterintuitive, but trust me—sometimes you just need to clear your head. When you're immersed in your own writing, it’s hard to see the flaws. Taking a break gives you a fresh perspective. Whether it’s a day, a week, or even a few hours, time away from the manuscript can help you spot the issues more clearly.

I’ve done this with many of my drafts—stepping away from the computer, then coming back later, only to realize the whole middle section didn’t flow properly. A break might help you uncover these gaps in logic or character behavior.

2. Outline Again

Actually, one of the best ways to reorient a story is to go back to your outline. If you don’t have one, now might be a good time to create one. Sometimes the reason a story doesn’t make sense is because the structure is faulty. When I found myself lost in a plot, I started sketching out the main events on a simple outline. It didn’t have to be overly detailed—just enough to track the flow of events, character arcs, and major turning points. This allowed me to pinpoint where things went awry.

3. Revisit Character Arcs

If your characters are causing the confusion, take a step back and think about their development. Ask yourself: What do they want? What’s their motivation? What’s preventing them from getting it? When I rewrote a character’s backstory once, I realized that her main goal didn’t make sense within the context of the plot. Once I changed that goal and aligned her actions with her desires, everything clicked.

Sometimes, making minor adjustments in the character’s journey can make all the difference in the world.

Seek Feedback

1. Share With Others

Honestly, I’ve learned that feedback from others is invaluable. You might think your story makes sense, but it’s often hard to tell when you’re too close to the material. Sharing your work with someone else—a fellow writer, a friend, or even a beta reader—can help you see your story in a new light. I’ve had friends read my drafts and point out moments where characters were acting “out of character” or when the story was a bit too predictable. It’s frustrating, but they help me make my writing stronger.

2. Be Open to Criticism

It can be tough to hear that something you’ve worked so hard on isn’t quite right. But you need to be open to criticism. When you get feedback, take it in stride, and don’t be afraid to make the necessary changes. Honestly, if you’re too attached to your original idea, it might cloud your judgment. A good critique can reveal issues you might not have noticed.

Keep Improving and Stay Persistent

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Make Big Changes

Sometimes, the story simply isn’t working, and you have to be willing to make big changes. Whether it’s deleting a subplot or even rewriting sections, it’s okay to throw out what doesn’t work. I’ve had to cut entire chapters from my books that I loved, but they just didn’t fit in the larger context. It’s painful at first, but it ultimately strengthens the story.

2. Trust the Process

Finally, remember that writing is a process. If things don’t make sense right now, it doesn’t mean you’re not a good writer. It’s all part of the journey. Keep going, stay persistent, and trust that the story will evolve. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been frustrated with a plot, only to have everything click into place after a little more work.

Conclusion

So, when your story doesn’t make sense, don’t panic. Take a step back, reevaluate your characters, structure, and plot. Get feedback, make the necessary changes, and keep improving. Writing is a messy, beautiful process, and sometimes the best stories emerge after facing and fixing these challenges. Keep writing—you’ve got this!

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