You can raise stakes by introducing higher consequences for the characters. Make their goals more difficult to achieve or put more at risk for failure.
One way to raise stakes is to intensify the conflicts. Maybe have the villain gain more power or create time limits that increase the pressure. Also, involve the characters' loved ones to make the outcome more personal and significant.
To raise stakes in a novel, you could escalate the threat to a larger scale. For example, if it's a local problem at first, make it a global issue. Or make the character's choices have far-reaching and irreversible effects.
One way to do it is to increase the potential loss for the protagonist. For example, they could lose something dear to them or face a threat that affects not only them but also the people they care about. Another approach is to set a time limit or add more powerful antagonists.
You can raise the stakes by introducing time limits or unexpected obstacles. Maybe the hero has only a short time to achieve their goal, or a new enemy shows up that makes the situation much harder.
In a novel, raising a boy can be done by creating a supportive environment. Let him have mentors and friends who guide him. And, don't forget to add some unexpected events that test his resilience and growth.
Well, to raise a dragon in manga, you first have to establish a unique world for it. Then, focus on the growth process, like its training and challenges it overcomes. Also, give it a compelling backstory to make it more engaging.
You can introduce higher consequences for the characters' actions or raise the level of difficulty they face. Maybe have a time limit or a more powerful antagonist.
You could organize charity events like a fun run or a bake sale. People pay to participate or buy the treats, and the proceeds go to Comic Relief.
You can create stakes by putting the characters in situations where they have a lot to lose. Maybe it's their life, their relationships, or something they deeply care about.
The stakes in a novel are basically what's at risk for the characters. They make the story exciting. If there's nothing to lose or gain, the story can be boring.
Story stakes add depth to characters. When characters have something important at stake, like their reputation in a small town in a Faulkner novel, we understand them better. We see their values and how far they'll go to protect or achieve what's at stake. It also helps in developing the plot as the characters' actions to meet or avoid the stakes drive the story forward.
The stakes drive the plot forward. High stakes create tension. For instance, if a character's life is in danger in a literary work, it forces the character to take action, which in turn moves the story along.