This week's practice exercise

Exercise: What's Driving?
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Exercise: In 400 words or less, write an opening scene in which
something happens, and then show us a character through that
person's thoughts, words, and deeds. Though you may use more than
one character, focus on one in particular to let us learn as much as
possible about that person as the story begins.
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Characters make a good story whether it is plot-driven or
character-driven. In both kinds of story something happens and
characters react. A reader gains insight into characters through
their words, thoughts, and deeds.

In a plot-driven story, action tends to predominate; it causes the
character to react. In a story about a hard-nosed detective who must
chase down criminals, the plot usually is complex, and the characters
not particularly nuanced.

In a character-driven story, the plot action may be minimal, with the
focus on thoughts and reactions of the character. Characters
respond in accord with their own feelings. A quiet, reserved widow
may react to a butterfly's alighting on a flower, and we will learn
more about her when that happens.

Choose one of the two styles, plot-driven or character-driven, and
write a scene that shows us what your character is like.
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