Things you have to decide about your protagonist

In every story (and short story of course), you must decide different aspects of your protagonist before having him/her act. Otherwise, people won't be able to empathize with him, and the story will loose it's strength.

Here is a simple checklist:

• Who is your protagonist (develop his backstory)
• What does he/she want?
• What or who stands in the way of your protagonist to obtain he/she wants?
• What is your protagonist risking if he or she doesn't get what he wants?
• Will your protaginist obtain his/her goal?
• How will s/he feel in the end?
  

Remember, it is utterly important that you get to know your characters before writing about them. I am sure you could easily and perfectly write a story about your best friend or a family member. You know what challenges them the most, and the ways they are going to try to resolve their problems. Try to familiarize yourself with your protagonist, so much that you might even feel he or she has been part of your life for a long time. Then, and only then, will you be able to write his/her story.