Plan and develop an outline for a short story Developing the story: In preparation for writing your short story, you will need to think about the issues which the following questions ask you to consider. Be sure to follow all instructions and answer each question carefully.

Write in one sentence the theme that you wish to convey to your readers.

Determine who the main character in your story will be. Give the main character, the protagonist, a name. List details about that character that you want to include in your story.
The protagonist's name:
Age:

What are some outstanding physical characteristics of the character?
Background information about this character includes
Strong points of his or her character are:
Weaknesses in his or her character are:
How do you expect the reader to feel about this character?
Provide information about the second most important character.
Name:.
Age:

Outstanding physical characteristics of the character:
Strong points of character:
Important facts about his or her background:
Character's weaknesses:
How do you want the reader to feel about this character?
Decide which point of view you will use in your story.
I plan to tell my story from the point of view of:

Establish the conflict in your story as well as the characters to be involved in that conflict.
The conflict in my story will be between a. and b. about c.

Summarize the plot of your story. You may use either the elements of the plot-line diagram shown in the lesson, "Short Story Elements," or a simple outline like the one used for the children's story about the mine.

List three times in your story when important conversations will take place.
a.
b.
c.

Choose the setting for the most important event in your story and make a list of details you might use in describing it.
a. sight:

b. sound:

c. smell:

d. taste and/or feel: