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IWW
Practice-W Exercise Archives
Exercise: My Way or the Highway (Version 4)
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: Rheal Nadeau
Posted on: 16 Dec 2001
Reposted on: 5 Dec 2004
Reposted, revised, on: 1 Oct 2006
Reposted on: 28 Oct 2007
Revised, reposted on: 3 Jul 2011
Reposted on: 28 Jul 2013
Reposted on: 27 Sep 2015
Reposted on: 17 Sep 2017
Reposted on: 6 Mar 2022
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Exercise: In 400 words or less, put two or more characters in a
position of conflict. It should be reasonably clear to the reader what
motivates each character. Avoid outright exposition: show the conflict,
don't tell us about it.
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Conflict is with us every day, from the war in Iraq to a teen arguing
against a curfew. Both sides are convinced they are right.
At times conflicts arise apart from a difference of opinion. One party
perceives an unfairness that may or may not exist. Think of the
stereotypical argument between a husband and wife, based not on real
conflict but on unstated expectations and perceived faults.
Each character must act for plausible reasons, based on valid
motivations; each must have his or her own goals, aspirations, or fears.
It is not necessary to resolve the conflict; submissions here are not
meant to be full stories. And it doesn't have to be a major conflict; it
could be a minor conflict that interferes with some bigger goal.
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When you critique, pay attention to the character motivations. Are they
credible? Too obvious, or too subtle? Remember--a good critique is
specific, not general.
Web site created by
Rhéal Nadeau and
the administrators of the Internet Writing Workshop.
Modified by Gayle Surrette.
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