What to do: Aim for a complete story, with a classic structure: Protagonist, Conflict, Obstacles or Complications, and Resolution. Consider all of the short stories we have read up to this point: The Lottery, The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas, I, Robot, and the episode Nosedive. Keep in mind also all of the elements we have talked about in class such as title, characters, plot, dialogue, showing not telling…etc
Some things to consider as you are planning and writing:
Because the idea of a short story is quite limited in space, focus the scope of the story on the protagonist's experience. This could be done by catapulting your reader into the conflict immediately and then slowly building the world up.
Make sure you are in control of each decision.
Make every word count. If you are overstating, repeating, or explaining something that is apparent, take it out.
Limit the number of characters.
Consider how dialogue can be used as a way of explanation without info-dumping on the reader.
Always keep in mind what you want your readers to walk away with from your short story. What is the message?
Full Answer Section
Story:
Ada woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside her window. She stretched and yawned, then got out of bed. She was the last human on Earth.
A plague had wiped out the rest of humanity a few years ago. Ada had been lucky. She had been living in a remote cabin in the woods when the outbreak happened. She had stayed there, isolated from the world, until the plague had passed.
Now, she was alone.
Ada went outside and took a deep breath of the fresh air. She looked around at the lush green forest and the blue sky overhead. It was a beautiful day.
Ada knew that she would have to be careful. There were wild animals in the forest, and she didn't want to be attacked. She also had to be careful of the sun. She didn't have any sunscreen, so she had to stay in the shade as much as possible.
Ada spent the day foraging for food and water. She found some wild berries and nuts, and she drank from a stream. She also found a cave that she could use as shelter.
That night, Ada sat in the cave and ate her dinner. She was tired and hungry, but she was also grateful to be alive. She knew that she would have to face many challenges in the days ahead, but she was determined to survive.
The next day, Ada started to explore the forest. She wanted to find a place where she could build a more permanent home. She also wanted to find other resources, such as tools and supplies.
Ada walked for hours, but she didn't find anything suitable. She was starting to get discouraged when she came across a clearing. In the middle of the clearing was a small house.
Ada ran towards the house. She pounded on the door, but no one answered. She tried the doorknob, and it turned. She opened the door and went inside.
The house was empty, but it was furnished and well-stocked. Ada found food, water, tools, and other supplies. She also found a bed, a table, and chairs.
Ada had found a home.
Ada spent the next few weeks exploring the house and the surrounding area. She found a garden that she could plant vegetables in. She also found a stream that she could use for water.
Ada was finally starting to feel settled. She had a home, food, and water. She was also starting to make friends with the wild animals in the forest.
One day, Ada was walking through the forest when she saw a deer. The deer was standing in the middle of the path, looking at her.
Ada stopped and stared at the deer. She felt a strange connection to it. She could sense that it was afraid.
Ada slowly reached out her hand. The deer sniffed her hand, then nuzzled it. Ada smiled. She had made a new friend.
Ada continued to live in the forest for many years. She learned to live in harmony with nature and found new meaning in her life. She was no longer the last human on Earth. She was part of something bigger.
Theme:
The theme of the story is that even when we are alone, we are never truly alone. We are all connected to each other and to the natural world.
Sample Answer
Title: The Last Human
Protagonist: Ada, the last human
Conflict: Ada is the last human on Earth, after a plague wiped out the rest of humanity. She is alone and must find a way to survive.
Obstacles or Complications: Ada must find food and water, shelter from the elements, and protect herself from wild animals. She must also deal with the loneliness and isolation of being the last human alive.
Resolution: Ada finds a way to survive and thrive on her own. She learns to live in harmony with nature and finds new meaning in her life.