This Week's Practice Exercise

Demons Within(Version 3)
Prepared by: Loretta Russell and Ruth Douillette
Revised, reposted on March 14, 2010

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In 400 words or less give us a portrait of a character who slides from success into self-destruction. Your story can be truth or fiction.

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"Prominent banker hangs himself after DNA evidence proves him guilty of assaulting teen girl." We see stories like this in the news almost every day. What sends these people, the common man as well as the "superstar," into self-destructive, downward spirals? Is it greed or a quest for power? Is the person insane or simply flawed in some way?
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In 400 words or less give us a portrait of a character who slides from success into self-destruction. Your story can be truth or fiction.

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In your critique, consider whether the character and situation are believable. Do we understand why he has done what he has done? Could he have helped himself, changed his course, or was he fated to fall? Do we feel compassion for the character, and if so, why?

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 Writing Workshop.