Dramatica Definition: Apparent Dilemma

Apparent Dilemma • [Overview Appreciation] • The Main Character’s decision to change results in failure • In an Apparent Dilemma story, the Goal will fail if the Main Character adopts a new path. For the Goal to succeed he must stay on course. Of course, the Main Character cannot see the future and therefore can never be sure if he should change or not. That is why Main Characters must often make a “leap of faith” at the moment of climax and decide to Change or Remain Steadfast. Other times, the Main Character is slowly drawn towards his Resolve of Changing or Remaining Steadfast, however it is still must be made clear which way he’s gone by the end of the story. In stories where the Main Character Changes and fails as a result, the Dilemma was merely Apparent, not Actual.