Short Story Writing: Character Development

 Write a short story (between 800 and 2000 words) that shows a strong, positive relationship between two people working on some type of project together. The story can involve two students, two co-workers, or two strangers who meet and become friends when working on this project together. The two people should have something in common and something that is very different from the other. Let readers know how they use their strengths and how they resolve their differences. Stick with the word count assigned. 

 

What’s needed in a short story? 

·      Character development

·      Plot that reader can follow

·      Balance of dialogue and description

 

Two main characters:

 

________________________________

 

________________________________

 

 

One-sentence plot overview: 

 

_____________________________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

Before you start writing the story, know how it will end (or at least how you think it might end). Writers can change their minds, but it's also helpful to know the direction the story is heading in to be consistent with plot development, setting, tone, and character development. 

This writing prompt challenges you to develop two characters for the readers. You can reveal information about the characters through short descriptions and through dialogue. You don't want to give the readers a big "information dump" and reveal too much at once. As in real life, we usually get to know people slowly. We learn more through dialogue or added information over the course of the story. 

Share your work with someone. Feedback makes you a better writer. 



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