- Create a character and his/her backstory. Use the character worksheet. Fill it out completely. (Consider these demographics, traits, and quirks as you make him/her speak.)
- Think of a story/event that has happened in his/her life--a moment where “something” memorable happened. Look at your character details for ideas.
- a hard choice
- a disagreement he/she had with someone else
- a childhood memory that lingers
- a regret
- a great success that’s in the past now
- a “life event” -- marriage, trip, birth, etc.
- reminiscing about a love
- the moment where they settled on some personal outlook or philosophy
4. Think of a setting and a “listener” for this story. Is the listener a friend or a stranger? A part of their story or not? What setting would allow for a long story to be told.
5. Have your character tell the story. He or she should need to tell the story. The story should go onto a second page--and can be longer. Get into the rhythms of storytelling. You may have the listener interject with a question, comment, or encouragement, but only sparingly. Include a few stage directions--a description of the setting, and any important actions the character or listener takes. Just remember: the focus is the story.
Things to think about:
- It might be a good idea to tell the story out loud to yourself or someone else. Maybe even record yourself, if you have the means.
- Give your story a beginning, a middle, and an end. Think about what the audience needs to know. (However, remember that leaving some details out might interest us, too--like our flash fiction stories, for example.)
Requirements:
- 1-2 pages
- Celtx stageplay format
- includes stage directions
- focuses on the telling of one story
- storyteller has a desire to tell this story
Due: Wednesday, March 9th.
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