Plot Twist Story Prompts: Moment of Doubt

Plot twist story prompts aren't meant for the beginning or the end of stories. Rather, they're for forcing big and small turns in the anticipated trajectory of a story. This is to make it more interesting for the readers and writers alike.

Each week, I'll provide a new prompt to help twist your story. Find last week's prompt, Compelled Duty, here.

For today's prompt, have a character experience a moment of doubt. After all, a moment of doubt can stall many a trip or give an opponent the time needed to thwart a plan—for good or evil.

(How to Conquer Self-Doubt and Just Write.)

Two people are leaving a burning building together. One jumps out a window to safety while the other hesitates—just long enough for the building to collapse. Or two lovers debate whether to leave on a trip. She wants him to come, but he's not sure. She says, "Now or never." He hesitates and regrets his hesitation ever after when she leaves without looking back.

Of course, the moment of doubt at one point could shape all future actions (or inactions). Perhaps that moment of doubt starts a string of hesitations, and the character will need to overcome that character flaw to find success. Of course, it could also swing a character in the opposite direction, so that he or she is foolhardy with their lack of doubt (or consideration) in the future.

So let your characters experience doubt and see where it takes them and the story.

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