EPIC HERO WRITING ASSIGNMENT
OBJECTIVE: Create a detailed epic hero from an ancient civilization (Indus, Sumer, China, Egypt) and a series of
obstacles for him/her to overcome, then craft an original short story that tells his/her tale. The final story will
be approximately 6 to 10 pages and will require details that show an appropriate setting of time and place.
ASSIGNMENT #1 – Due Friday, September 30
Character Outline – Epic hero (25 pts)
Appearance - What does your hero look like? Provide a detailed description of him/her that includes height,
weight, build, hair and eye color and any distinguishing characteristics. Do not use offensive, stereotypical
generalizations of people from this region.
Character Exposition – Where is your character from? What are the character’s traits? What flaws does the
character possess? What are the character’s supernatural abilities or qualities?
Motivation – What does the hero want or need? Why does he or she need it?
Divine Intervention – The hero is either watched over by a god/goddess and/or is the child of one mortal and
one god/goddess. This must be a known god/goddess from the civilization.
Lesson Learned – The hero undergoes a series of trials on his/her journey that cause a dynamic change in
his/her personality.
ASSIGNMENT #2 – Due Friday, September 30
Character Outline – Hero’s Antagonist (25 pts)
Appearance – What does your hero’s enemy look like? Size, build, and distinguishing characteristics should be
explained. Remember that the antagonist does not need to be human. The antagonist can be a god or
goddess or an imaginary creature.
Character Exposition – Why does the antagonist oppose the protagonist? Do they have a history? What are
the antagonist’s supernatural abilities?
ASSIGNMENT #3 – Due Monday, October 3
Detailed Story Outline (25 pts)
Write an outline of the story. Your story must include the following elements:
 Story begins in medias res, “in the middle of things”
 The hero has character flaws that lead to a journey or quest
 The quest has a purpose
 The hero possesses supernatural abilities or qualities
 The hero must be challenged by mythical beings or forces of nature (e.g. hurricane, tidal wave,
earthquake)
 The hero must overcome at least one mortal enemy
 The hero must travel to or enter a supernatural world (Time travel or travel to other planets is not
allowed.)
 The hero may travel with others, but must face the ultimate task alone
 After the quest is successfully accomplished, the hero returns home and becomes a leader
ASSIGNMENT #4 – Due ______________________
Final Draft- 100 Pts
EXTRA CREDIT – Due ________________
Illustrations
Illustrate your story with a cover and illustrations throughout. Create as many illustrations as you would like,
but extra credit will be given up to a 10 percent bonus.