We have all been enamoured by different types of stories, whether it be a movie, a book, an anime, a play, or music. Sometimes we wonder how these worlds and characters are created; how certain powers or characters are fashioned. Fret not. There’s always a beginning, a first step to take to build and create a whole new world out of nothing but our imagination. Let us try to create our own world and characters, with their very own abilities and dreams.
List out the main requirements for the story you are going to write –
- Genre – Comedy, tragedy, mystery, fantasy, YA, Sci-fi, romance, etc.
- Characters – Single protagonist, a team, 2 friends against the world, etc.
- Main idea/plot of the story
- Conflict-resolution
It’s okay if you aren’t sure what your story is about and what the conflict-resolution is going to be. Think about a genre and who the main character or characters of the story are. For example, if you want to write a mystery or detective fiction, think about whether your main character is going to be a civilian, a detective, a clueless bystander, or someone who likes/hates mystery stories.
MERRIN ABRAHAM
Merrin completed her Integrated MA in English Studies from IIT Madras. She is a storyteller, bibliomaniac and a lover of indie music who had a passion for the English language that she dedicated her childhood to reading Victorian literature. Besides drinking bitter coffee and analysing Asian media, she is trying to find a horror story worthy of the genre.
If you find it difficult to get started on the story, start writing short character profiles for the characters you have finalised. For example:
Jolly: Loves reading and solving mysteries, currently studying in 5th grade, loves to race her friend Pat to the Library every Saturday (unfortunately she loses most times), she is quick on her feet and notices small details, loves pretending to be Sherlock Holmes in her free time and insists that Pat be Watson.
Take your time building the characters’ personality by talking about how they grew up, difficulties they faced, things they like and dislike. If you want your character to have certain powers or abilities, this is a good time to note them down. This process will enable the story to start unfolding. Everything that you include in your character profile can be changed later on if you feel like your character is developing in a different direction. Your story can begin in the past, present or the future of the main character. The character profile is just to help you visualize one small part of the story. Don’t let it limit your creative ideas as you begin and continue writing.
If you still feel unsure about what to write about, list out things that you would like your character to engage in. For example –
- Jolly wants to solve a mystery all by herself.
- Jolly wants to complete reading all the Agatha Christie novels.
- Jolly wants to launch a private detective agency when she finishes studying.
As you come up with different things that drive your character, you’ll be able to move in the direction of developing a setting that is suitable for them. You will be able to develop one of these motivations into the plot of your story.
- List out the main requirements for the story – Genre, characters, Main idea/plot, conflict resolution.
- Think about the main character and write a short character profile.
- Build the characters personality by adding different scenarios from their past and present.
- The story can begin in the past, present or the future of the main character
- List out things that you would like your character to engage in their personal and/or professional lives.
Happy Writing!
