Setting as a Reflection of Character

from Teachers Write

PART ONE: Take a pad of paper and a pen or pencil. Go outside and look around. Write a paragraph describing your surroundings.

Sitting on my front porch.  Looking out at our quiet court.  The neighbor’s car backs out of the driveway and drives off down the road.  The air is humid, but a cool, strong breeze blows, rustling the leaves.  I look out at the flowers in front of my porch.  The purple teardrop flowers sway on the hostas.  The long leaves of the daylilies wiggle in the breeze.  The hummingbird feeder and from a low branch on the nearest tree; it too rocks back and forth.  The bags of yard waste, recycling  bins, and trash cans are lined up at the curb at the sides of each driveway.

PART TWO: Now, you are a lost six year-old child. Rewrite the same description from this point of view.

Now, you are a satisfied housecat. Rewrite the same description from this point of view.

Now, you are a fifteen year-old whose parents just announced they are

divorcing. Rewrite the same description from this point of view.

Reread the four descriptions. Look at how different the exact same setting can become

depending on the scrim of perspective through which you view it. When you return to

your own work, remember this. Setting can be a reflection of character.