I have no idea what sort of book you’re writing about, but as you read it and think about it, think in terms of the contrast of whatever subject is presented.

For instance, suppose you were writing about The Grapes of Wrath. You’d have the Joad family on the one hand along with other migrant workers VERSUS their various opposition: the dustbowl of Oklahoma, the owners of the farms they work at, and whatever forces the Joads are up against.

If you were writing about The Scarlet Letter, you’d be writing about Hester Pryne on the one hand and the Puritanical religious temperament of Boston which makes her wear the scarlet letter. You’d look for the characters who might align themselves with one side or the other

If you are to keep this journal as you read, just keep in mind what forces are opposing each other. OPPOSITION is the key word. These could be family members who are in opposition. Or it might be The Government VERSUS An Individual.

And ultimately you want to seek how those forces achieve a resolution–although it’s quite possible there will be no resolution.