Writing the Short Story

What elements should be included in a character sketch?

A character sketch is an invaluable aid in getting to know characters who are of particular importance in a story or those who appear as mere shadows in the writer's mind. A character sketch, although no one but the writer ever sees it, is a means of making an imaginary person real. It is perhaps the best way of coming to know a character. You should be able to guess fairly accurately the type of work a person does, his educational level, his marital status, his health, and his attitude toward appearance.

In writing dialogue, longer, more fluid sentences are preferable to short, crisp ones.

False

The paragraph-length description technique used by Dickens is ideal for short story character development.

False

A description is not a group of adjectives or images strung together.

True

Detailed description is useful in preparing to write as well as being an important part of a completed story.

True

In short story, description should be placed in the midst of passages of narration and dialogue.

True

Long descriptions should follow a logical order.

True

Write what is meaningful to you; write what you know.

True

Which of the following is the best way of coming to know a character?

a character sketch

You can create a composite character by _____.

borrowing the traits of many different people

Stories about relationships often depend more on______________ development.

character

Character dialogue should be _____.

natural and resemble real-life conversation

Mystery stories and action stories depend heavily on

plot

Fiction is based on _____.

reality