From Fear to Empathy: Using Vulnerability in Microfiction
Writing Prompt 1/4 for May Course: Naked Characters
Microfiction is a unique challenge for writers.
It demands a concise and impactful storytelling approach. One powerful way to add impact to your stories is to show vulnerability.
Because the real villain of every story is the author — if you do your job.
By exposing your character on the page, revealing their worst fears and baring their soul to the wind (of fast turning pages).
We all have fears
We think we’re unique in this, that our particular worries are our own, that the specific nature and mix of them would be appalling to any other person.
But we all fear, they often overlap, and they bring us closer.
Because as we became human, we huddled in the dark, listening to howling beasts, around a fire and told stories.
We love reading about other people’s fears and worries, and most importantly, how they overcome them.
So add a dash of vulnerability to your character, for added depth and relatability. Enable your readers to forge a deeper connection in just a few hundred words.
Let’s explore!
Step 1: Choose a character with a specific fear
It could be anything from a fear of heights to insecurity about their appearance. But pick something you can be show within the word count.
Step 2: The character must confronts this fear
This confrontation should be the focal point, and the situation must be designed to bring out the character’s vulnerability.
Step 3: Show their vulnerability
Use their actions and reactions, rather than telling the reader about it.
For instance, don’t write “he was afraid of heights,” describe the physical and emotional responses that reveal his fear. This “show, don’t tell” approach creates a more immersive experience for your reader.
Step 4: Let them talk to themselves
Use internal monologue to provide insight into the character’s thoughts and feelings.
This helps the reader understand the character’s struggle and builds empathy. However, keep it concise to maintain the pace of your story.
Bring it all together:
His white-knuckled hands trembled on the railing, as he peered over the edge looking for the body, ‘You can do this,’ he thought, swallowing the bile burning in his throat.”
Now it’s your turn!
Create a 300-word microfiction story throwing the spotlight on a character’s vulnerability as they confront their worst fear.
Show emotion with actions and reactions
Use internal monologue to glimpse their inner thoughts
Missed the Course Kick-Off? Check it out here:
50-300 words for the story bits.
Tag your story as you like, e.g. Fiction or Flash Fiction
But don’t use Writing Prompts please.🙏 link back to the prompt so others can find it too.
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This is a great prompt, simple and to the point, thanks, I might give it a try