[Tipster] The Importance of Alternative Perspectives and Counterarguments in Nonfiction

I’m a Star Wars fan.

I’ve seen all the movies and shows (animation included). I have a personal library of Star Wars books. I’ve even bought and read a few comics.

You may not believe it, but a Start Wars show (fiction) reminded me of an important lesson about creating tension in nonfiction writing.

Hear me out.

Back in 2020 a popular Star Wars show—The Mandalorian—aired weekly. The story followed the main character Din Djarin in his quest to reunite a child, Grogu, with his people.

The penultimate episode of The Mandalorian Season 2 diverted from the main narrative. The main characters didn’t fight the enemy head-on. Instead, they had to infiltrate an Imperial base to locate the villain’s ship and rescue Grogu.  

To infiltrate the base, two characters—Din and Mayfeld—go undercover as stormtroopers: the enemy. Their brilliant plan: transport a truck of volatile yet necessary fuel into the base. Seems easy, right?

Not exactly. As Din and Mayfeld near the Imperial base, pirates attack their transport vehicle. Din and Mayfeld are outnumbered and outgunned. It looks like they’re not going to make it.

And then WHOOSH! Two TIE fighters—Imperial star craft—swoop in and destroy the pirates.

Din and Mayfeld, disguised as the bad guys, arrive at the Imperial base to a round of applause and relieved celebration. The viewer is celebrating too.

They’re safe. They survived. And it’s all thanks to the resurgent-Empire’s TIE fighters.

But think about it: viewers are actually rooting for the Empire (AKA the bad guys) because it’s the enemy who saved Din and Mayfeld. For a brief moment, the viewer sees the “good" in the bad guy.

That’s an alternative perspective.

It’s unexpected. And it challenges the viewers assumptions about the Empire.

This is the job to be done in nonfiction writing—provide alternative perspectives that challenge assumptions. This will give your writing depth and nuance.

Why You Need to Consider Alternative Perspectives and Counterarguments

It might feel dangerous to provide alternative perspectives and counterarguments in your writing. New writers fret it will weaken their position.

But, actually, readers are more likely to trust a source that doesn’t shy away from potential criticisms or alternative perspectives.

A book that presents only one side of an argument can appear biased. Or incomplete.

Acknowledging and addressing opposing viewpoints or alternate perspectives allows an author to showcase their research and depth of understanding. It also demonstrates the author’s confidence in their own position.

Alternative perspectives and counterarguments can also provide context, highlight complexities, and refine the author’s original stance on their topic. This leads to a more nuanced understanding of the topic.

Finally, different perspectives and counterarguments can introduce tension to your book, much like the ending of the Mandalorian introduced a new string of tension for the audience.

Yes, Nonfiction Needs Tension Too

Tension is a literary device used to keep readers invested in your book.

If your book lacks tension, then your reader has neither a reason nor a desire to finish your book. And if your reader stops reading, they’re not going to recommend your book.

Tension is key to writing a successful nonfiction book.

One way nonfiction authors can introduce tension to their story is through alternative perspectives and counterarguments. Here are a few examples:

• Challenging Established Beliefs: Alternative perspectives can challenge the reader’s established beliefs or assumptions. This compels the reader to keep reading in order to reconcile new information with their prior understanding.
• Dynamic Intellectual Conflict: A nonfiction book can use intellectual conflict—debate, contrast of ideas, opposing viewpoints—to propel the reader through the narrative. This keeps your material thought-provoking.
• Raising Stakes: In nonfiction books proposing a specific course of action or a solution to a counterarguments can raise the stakes. Addressing challenges and/or pitfalls furthers the importance of the author’s main argument/thesis. And it makes a story more compelling to the reader. 

It All Comes Back to Star Wars

Once Din and Mayfeld arrive safely at the Imperial base they have a drink with an Imperial officer. This officer explains that the volatile fuel Din and Mayfeld transferred will be used to wreak havoc across the galaxy. The episode concludes with Din and Mayfeld destroying the base.

Again, what does this have to do with a nonfiction book?

1. Challenge Preconceptions: By relying on the TIE fighters to save Din and Mayfeld from the pirates, this episode challenges viewers’ perception of the Empire as a solely evil entity. While the Empire is bad, there are moments when it can be good. Like saving our main characters.

In a nonfiction book, alternative perspectives and/or counterarguments can push readers to reevaluate their preconceived beliefs or assumptions about a topic.

2. Further Your Main Argument: The conversation with the Imperial officer reveals the resurgent-Empire’s belief that authoritarian rule can stabilize and save the galaxy. While audiences are more sympathetic to the Imperial cause thanks to the TIE fighters daring rescue, this conversation reminds viewers why the Empire is evil.

The episode furthers one of Star Wars main messages: the Empire is irredeemable and must be destroyed.

Similarly, addressing counterarguments in your nonfiction book and then refuting them will further your main argument/message.

Return to your manuscript and ask yourself, How can I raise the tension through alternative perspectives and counterarguments?

Now buckle up and write.

Allison Parks
Production Manager and Book Coach