HOW TO WRITE A STORY (cont.)
When you start getting answers, you can draw a character web, like this example. Put your main character's name
in the circle in the middle, and all of his or her characteristics along the lines coming out of the circle.
Here's another hint:
Draw a picture of your main character. That will help you visualize what he or she is like.
Setting -- Where your story takes place
Every story needs to take place somewhere. Well, duh, you might say. But your story's setting
can have either a big or little impact on the story. What would The Wizard of Oz be without Oz? Just a story
about a girl and a dog in dusty old Kansas, that's what.
Ask yourself these questions:
• Where does your story take place -- on the moon, in Hawaii, inside your dad's nose, or someplace completely different?
• When does your story take place: past, present or future?
• How much does your setting affect your main character's problem?
Problem -- The challenge your character must face and overcome
Without a problem, your story would be dull as watching paint dry. Snooze city. But when you give your main character a problem to solve, your story comes alive. Be sure to make it a big enough problem. Remember: having a hangnail isn't much of a problem, but hanging on a cliff is.
Important tip:
Use the magic of conflict. Conflict means someone or something tries to stop your character from solving the problem. The more times your hero tries and fails, the better.
Ask yourself these questions:
• What is your main character's problem?
• Is it a big enough problem that it will take a whole story to solve it?
• How does your main character try and fail to solve her or his problem?
Resolution -- How the character finally solves the problem
The most satisfying resolutions come when you think your hero is about to give up. When they've tried
everything else, they finally solve the problem. It's best if your main character solves the problem on his or her own.
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