Purple Hibiscus Creative Writing
Assignment
50 points
GENRE
Fiction (if it’s not fiction, you don’t have to tell me) /
narrative / story
POINT OF VIEW
Write your piece in third person, like
through the perspective of a character
younger. (Think about what you gain by
character, her or his point of view on
world?)
Adichie did, and
your own age or
using a young
the so-called adult
CONFLICT
For this story, there must be a conflict or obstacle faced
by your protagonist (main character). What does your
character want or fear the most? What is at stake for the
character?
Whatever it is, it must be significant for that character,
meaning no matter how the story ends, something will change
and the change will be of lasting consequence for the
character.
The conflict must be confronted and resolved, in some
manner, by the end of the story.
Remember: Only trouble is interesting in fiction.
DRAMA
Challenge yourself to show what the characters are
thinking, feeling, and deciding through physical action
rather than narrator commentary, interior monologue, or
dialogue.
This involves your readers directly in the action.
Dialogue should always move the story forward, or show
conflict. People often do not say what they mean.
MINIMUM LENGTH
3 pages
OPENING & CLOSING
Begin with “Things started to fall apart…”
End with “The new rains will come down soon.”
EXTRA CREDIT
o 10 for performing/reading your piece to the class
o 10 for good eye contact, pacing, and volume