Plot Twist Story Prompts: On the Spot

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, Head Over Heels, here.

For today's prompt, put a character on the spot. In a classroom setting, this could be a moment when the teacher calls on a student. In a work setting, the boss may ask a character what they think about a project. In a club setting, this could be a moment when a spotlight literally shines on a character.

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This is often used with a character who doesn't like to be the center of attention, but it can work with a complete extrovert too. It's a natural moment for a character to rise to the occasion and shine, of course, but it's also a moment when a character may wilt or come up short.

This could also be a moment when someone moving in stealth is discovered by the enemy. As such, the protagonist may be caught by the antagonist or vice versa. In a way, the "on the spot" prompt forces characters to confront something, whether it's an external threat or internal fear.

So put your characters on the spot and see how they react.

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