While the protagonist struggling is a common part of just about any story out there, typically there are a lot of periods where they're happy. Often the MC will overcome some great challenge, live a relatively happy life, and then some new challenge will come up that they'll have to overcome. However, what about the stories where there's barely ever a moment to breathe for the protagonist? The stories where the main character has to claw his way forward, with every inch gained taking all of his blood, sweat, and tears? There's something incredible about these types of stories because an MC who constantly overcomes what seems to be impossible odds is one that is inspiring to watch the journey of.