Characterization

I will show my character is arrogant by way I describe him and from how other characters see him.

Motivations

I will explain what makes him think he is better than everyone else.

Goal

I will state his goal and show how it arises from fact that he believes himself better than everyone else.

Setting

The setting is going to be in an office environment. I can show his arrogance through setting by perhaps describing contents of his desk (trophies) and his desk area in general (diplomas on walls.) etc.

Conflict

The conflict will come from himself. He is one that creates it by doing and saying things, which create dislike.

Climax

The climax is highest point in my story where conflict and his arrogance will come to their peak. Here we will see how he tries to overcome conflict and reach his goal by taking on more work.

Ending

I will end my story with my character’s humiliation. He takes on more work and makes an error in judgement. Which not only prevents his promotion but also gets him fired.

My theme here would have run its course.

Does each element of your story further your theme?

Like in scenario one, this incident might span over a couple of days or a week, where in second scenario, it spans over a number of years. The shorter time span more intense story.

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Your theme should begin at beginning, run through middle and conclude in end. So let’s put a theme to first scenario…

‘Strength Comes From Within And In The End Prevails.’

How can I have this theme running throughout my story?

Initially I will portray my main character as a weak individual. But I will excuse his weakness, by saying perhaps that…

“He comes from a closely knit, loving family and initially doesn’t know how to deal with such a conflict.”

As my story progresses, I will gradually show his inner strength and I will do this through incidences, which will show his maturity, like…

•He helps out by caring for his younger siblings and contributes with housework.

And

•I can show him cutting neighbours’ lawns or delivering newspapers before school to show that he contributes economically too.

If I do this, my ending (when he wins against bully) will be believable because I have developed his inner strength. My theme would have run its course.

Is your theme running throughout story?