Short Story Assignment
Exposition/Background:
Randy, is a country boy who grew up with almost nothing but a small farm. His father worked a
day in and out for his family, and Randy saw it. They weren't the perfect family, but it was a
family worth sacrificing everything you have for. And that is exactly what Randy does. Randy,
the boy in question could be from any country, but let's say for the story's purposes that he's
from a war-torn region of the world. He grew up in poverty, with little hope for a better future.
When he was still a child, his family was almost killed in a conflict between two factions, leaving
him the protector and defender of his family. He was just a weak and vulnerable boy when he
started, but he has grown. In order to survive, he turned to stealing and petty crime. He quickly
became skilled at avoiding the authorities and blending into the shadows. As he grew older, he
realized that he had a natural talent for fighting and strategy. He began to use these skills to
protect himself and others who were in similar situations. One day, the boy was approached by
a group of mercenaries who had been watching him from afar. They recognized his potential
and offered to take him under their wing. At first, the boy was skeptical. He had heard stories
about the brutality of mercenaries and didn't want to become a part of the world. However, as he
spent more time with the group, he began to see things differently. These were not mindless
killers, but skilled fighters who worked to protect the innocent and uphold justice. The boy saw
an opportunity to use his talents for good and decided to join the group. Over time, the boy
became a valuable member and asset to the group. He was able to use his knowledge of the
local terrain and customs to gain an advantage over their enemies. He eventually became so
good at killing that one fateful night, he got a little too bloodthirsty. The group had seen what
could come of his skill and were frightened over it, for if he ever became unhinged or carried
away, he could kill them all. So, the group decided to make his family the next target. He was
told to go in and kill everyone in sight. The poor boy was so hyped that he didn't even know it
was his own home he was breaking into. He was a ruthless killer. He killed his entire family
before he knew what he had done. He took his rage out on his mercenary group and killed them
one by one. No one could stop him, and no one knew that out of everyone, he was the bad guy.
He decided that he would find the ones responsible for the start of the group, and kill them. He
needed his revenge.
Inciting Incident:
After his tragic moment, he returns to the farm for shelter and a place to work tirelessly at finding
those poor souls who are going to pay. But, one day, he gets a letter from the same group he
was in, one of the members had survived his attack, and they are angry.
Conflict:
Randy, consumed by the desire for revenge, sets out to track down the ones responsible for the
mercenary group's orders to kill his family. But, as he delves deeper into the seedy underworld
of the group's origins, he realizes that the lines between good and evil are not as clear-cut as he
once thought. He must navigate a dangerous web of lies, betrayal, and deceit while struggling to
maintain his own sense of morality and justice.
Rising Action:
Randy's journey to seek revenge takes him to dangerous and unfamiliar places, where he uses
his skills as a fighter and strategist to survive. He meets allies who help him uncover the truth
about the mercenary group's true intentions, and together they plan a strategy to take down the
group's leaders. However, Randy begins to question his own motives and the consequences of
his actions as he gets closer to achieving his revenge. Was he right when he first thought they
were nothing but mindless killers? Or were they really just trying to help him? It didn't matter
anymore, they can't talk to wherever he is sending them and is surely sending them. In a final
confrontation, Randy and his allies confront the leaders of the mercenary group. Randy is faced
with the opportunity to kill the ones responsible for his family's death, and he takes it.
Falling Action:
With the mercenary group dismantled, Randy realizes that his thirst for revenge has left him with
nothing but emptiness and regret. He returns to his farm, determined to seek out a more
peaceful and meaningful life.
Resolution:
He finally forgives himself. He uses his skill to protect his community and becomes a symbol of
hope and redemption for those who have suffered in the same war-torn region as he did.