What are some writing exercises to explore tragedy in my stories?

What are some writing exercises to explore tragedy in my stories?

Here are a few exercises you can try: 1. Write a character's backstory that leads to a tragic event. 2. Create a scene where a character faces a moral dilemma with tragic consequences. 3. Rewrite a classic tragedy from a different character's perspective.

Can you give me an example of a character's backstory that leads to tragedy?

Sure! Imagine a young woman named Clara who dreams of becoming a doctor. She works hard, but her family struggles financially. When her father falls ill, she must choose between taking a job to support her family or pursuing her education. Her choice leads to a series of events that ultimately result in her father's death, leaving her with guilt and regret.

What about a moral dilemma exercise?

You could write a scene where a character discovers that their best friend is involved in illegal activities. They must decide whether to report their friend to the authorities, risking their friendship, or stay silent and potentially allow harm to continue. This choice can lead to tragic outcomes for both characters.

How can I incorporate real-life tragedies into my writing?

You can research historical tragedies or personal stories that resonate with you. Use these as inspiration to create fictional characters or scenarios that reflect the emotional depth and complexity of real-life events.