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Plot Twist Story Prompts: On the Spot

Every good story needs a nice (or not so nice) turn or two to keep it interesting. This week, put a character on the spot.

Plot twist story prompts aren't meant for the beginning or the end of stories. Rather, they're for forcing big and small turns in the anticipated trajectory of a story. This is to make it more interesting for the readers and writers alike.

Each week, I'll provide a new prompt to help twist your story. Find last week's prompt, Head Over Heels, here.

Plot Twist Story Prompts: On the Spot, by Robert Lee Brewer

Plot Twist Story Prompts: On the Spot

For today's prompt, put a character on the spot. In a classroom setting, this could be a moment when the teacher calls on a student. In a work setting, the boss may ask a character what they think about a project. In a club setting, this could be a moment when a spotlight literally shines on a character.

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This is often used with a character who doesn't like to be the center of attention, but it can work with a complete extrovert too. It's a natural moment for a character to rise to the occasion and shine, of course, but it's also a moment when a character may wilt or come up short.

This could also be a moment when someone moving in stealth is discovered by the enemy. As such, the protagonist may be caught by the antagonist or vice versa. In a way, the "on the spot" prompt forces characters to confront something, whether it's an external threat or internal fear.

So put your characters on the spot and see how they react.

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