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IWW Practice-W Exercise Archives
Exercise: Au naturel (Version 2)

These exercises were written by IWW members and administrators to provide structured practice opportunities for its members. You are welcome to use them for practice as well. Please mention that you found them at the Internet Writers Workshop (http://www.internetwritingworkshop.org/).

Prepared by: Rhéal Nadeau
Posted on: Sun, 22 Jul 2001
Reposted on: Sun, 10 Aug 2003
Reposted on: Sun, 13 Mar 2005
Revised and reposted on: Sun, 28 Feb 2010
Reposted on: Sun, 27 Jan 2013
Reposted on: Sun, 24 Jan 2016
Reposted on: Sun, 20 Oct 2019

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In 400 words or less, present a character pursing a goal, but
finding nature standing in the way

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Conflict is a key element of storytelling. In any story, there has
to be a goal and something blocking the way to achievement of
that goal--hence, conflict. This exercise deals with conflict
between a character and nature. Show us how the character gets
into a situation, e.g., what goal is being pursued, and how an
aspect of nature may hinder him or her. In dealing with nature,
remember to involve the senses; if your character is caught in a
storm, make us feel and hear that wind and rain.

Moby Dick and Robinson Crusoe are classic examples of man
vs nature--man up against white whale or man pitted against
nature to survive on a desert island. A conflict with nature is
often used to reflect a character's internal conflict. Of course,
the external conflict and risks must be real, and must be dealt
with in the real world. The clash of goal and obstacle creates
conflict.

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In your critique, look to see how present nature is. Is the
threat or danger shown through immediate sensory detail or
through abstract or "telling" narrative? Is the protagonist's
goal clearly stated? Can we pinpoint the clash of goal and
obstacle? Remember, it is not necessary to resolve the
conflict within the submission; only to create and show the
conflict.


Web site created by Rhéal Nadeau and the administrators of the Internet Writing Workshop.
Modified by Gayle Surrette.