Writing a novel can feel like a mountain climb — full of ambition, doubt, and countless ideas.
ChatGPT won’t write your book for you, but it can help you think clearer, plan smarter, and get words flowing.
These 10 prompts are designed specifically for novelists — whether you’re outlining a plot, developing characters, or battling writer’s block.
Each prompt comes with clear structure and customization options to make your novel-writing journey easier.
1. Brainstorming a Novel Idea from Scratch
#CONTEXT: You're starting fresh without any clear story in mind and need help developing a unique novel idea.
#GOAL: Create a high-level story concept with a hook, genre, and setting.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Ask for 3 novel ideas based on [insert genre]
Include setting, central conflict, and one strong character
Ensure each idea is aimed at [insert audience]
Keep the tone [insert tone]
Add optional plot twists
#OUTPUT: 3 brief, compelling novel concepts2. Creating a Memorable Protagonist
#CONTEXT: You want to develop a protagonist with depth, flaws, and a personal mission.
#GOAL: Generate a main character profile with emotional weight.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Base the character in [insert genre]
Include personality traits, strengths, and flaws
Give them a clear motivation and fear
Tie their backstory to the novel’s central theme
Use a [insert tone] in presentation
#OUTPUT: A rich, 5–6 sentence character sketch.ChatGPT Output:
3. Developing a Believable Antagonist
#CONTEXT: You want a complex antagonist who challenges the protagonist on multiple levels.
#GOAL: Design a compelling and multi-dimensional antagonist.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Set antagonist’s goal in conflict with protagonist’s
Include motivations, fears, and redeeming traits
Keep the tone [insert tone]
Tie their actions to [insert theme or genre]
Suggest 1–2 moments of unexpected vulnerability
#OUTPUT: A 4–5 sentence villain/antagonist profile.4. Outlining the First Three Chapters
#CONTEXT: You’re ready to start your novel but need help structuring the opening chapters.
#GOAL: Outline what happens in Chapters 1–3.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Start with the inciting incident
Include main character’s introduction and key setting
Show rising tension or dilemma by Chapter 3
Use [insert genre] structure
Keep tone [insert tone]
#OUTPUT: A brief outline of Chapters 1–3.ChatGPT Output
5. Crafting Realistic Dialogue Between Characters
#CONTEXT: You struggle with writing natural-sounding dialogue between two characters.
#GOAL: Generate a conversation that feels real and moves the plot.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Set the scene: [insert setting]
Define the characters’ relationship (e.g. rivals, friends)
Highlight their conflicting wants or tension
Keep tone [insert tone]
Include subtext beneath the dialogue
#OUTPUT: A short, back-and-forth dialogue (6–10 lines).6. Solving a Plot Hole or Logic Issue
#CONTEXT: You’ve identified a plot problem — a contradiction or missing piece — and need ideas to fix it.
#GOAL: Get possible fixes for a story logic issue.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Describe the problem clearly (e.g. [insert summary])
Offer 2–3 solutions that make sense in [insert genre]
Maintain tone and style of current plot
Suggest pros/cons of each fix
Keep responses aimed at [insert audience]
#OUTPUT: 2–3 possible plot fixes with brief explanations.ChatGPT Output
7. Describing a Setting Vividly
#CONTEXT: You want to write a setting that feels immersive — one that readers can see, hear, and feel.
#GOAL: Generate a vivid description of a key story location.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Describe a setting like [insert place or time period]
Include 3+ sensory details (sound, smell, texture, etc.)
Match tone to [insert tone]
Reflect how the character feels in the space
Keep the word count under 120 words
#OUTPUT: A vivid, 1-paragraph scene description.8. Creating a Chapter Cliffhanger
#CONTEXT: You want your readers to keep turning pages — especially at the end of each chapter.
#GOAL: Write a strong, suspenseful chapter ending.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Set up a mini twist or unresolved moment
Use [insert character]'s internal reaction or decision
Keep the tension high but unresolved
Fit the genre: [insert genre]
Make the final sentence punchy or intriguing
#OUTPUT: A 2–3 sentence cliffhanger ending.ChatGPT Output
9. Expanding a Scene with Inner Thoughts
#CONTEXT: You’ve written a basic scene and want to add emotional depth with the character’s inner voice.
#GOAL: Enhance a scene by showing what the character is thinking.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Briefly describe the current scene [insert summary]
Add 3–5 lines of inner monologue
Match tone to [insert tone]
Show conflicting thoughts or hesitation
Deepen the reader’s empathy with the character
#OUTPUT: A short passage including internal thoughts.10. Rewriting a Weak Scene with More Tension
#CONTEXT: You’ve written a scene that feels dull or too flat and want to raise the stakes.
#GOAL: Rewrite the scene to add conflict or emotional intensity.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Describe the original scene [insert summary]
Identify what’s at stake for the character
Suggest 2–3 ways to increase tension
Keep tone [insert tone]
Add one twist or interruption to shift the scene
#OUTPUT: A reimagined version of the scene with more tension.ChatGPT Output
How to Use These Prompts Effectively
Start with the Prompt That Solves Your Problem: Whether you’re stuck on plot or character, use the right prompt as your entry point.
Customize Every Time: Replace placeholders with your novel’s genre, tone, character name, and setting.
Use AI Output as Draft Material: Always revise what ChatGPT gives you. It’s a collaborator, not a ghostwriter.
Build a Workflow: Turn prompts into a weekly structure — Mondays for characters, Wednesdays for chapters, Fridays for editing.
Keep a Prompt Bank: Save your favorite prompts to reuse throughout your novel-writing process.
Wrap-Up
A novel is a long road — but you don’t have to walk it alone.
These prompts help you move faster, think deeper, and make progress when the words feel stuck.
Use them often. Mix them up. Make them yours.
ChatGPT can be the creative sidekick every novelist needs.