I've started a new mini-series for Chandler's Ford Today called 101 Things to Put Into Room 101 and I'm looking forward to writing the other posts to complete this over the next few weeks or so. But it led me to think about what success would mean for a writer.
I think for Orwell it would be a question of getting his message about the evils of totalitarianism across well (as he does in Animal Farm as well as 1984). I also think for most writers it would be a question of writing to the best of your ability and being published. (Anything after that is a bonus!).
But what would your characters say were the important signs of success as far as they were concerned? What is getting in their way of achieving that success? Will they strive for that success at no matter what cost to themselves or to others? What is the price they pay should they manage to achieve their goals?
Plenty of food for thought for story ideas there, I think. Happy writing!