Coffee break writing exercise: Naming characters

Set the timer for five minutes. Pick first names for two characters. Write the names vertically down the page and put an adjective that describes that person next to each letter – for instance:

Lazy

Antisocial

Ugly

Rich

Arrogant

Jealous

Ambitious

Muscular

Intelligent

Energetic

Set the timer for another five minutes. Create a short biography for each person. (Feel free to change some of the characteristics if they don’t work).

For the last five minutes, create the beginning of a short story detailing what happens if these two end up on a blind date or having to work together.

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