"In like manner, if it be said that all the days are but one and the same, it is correct and true. And if it be said, with respect to their particular names and designations, that they differ, that again is true. For though they are the same, yet one doth recognize in each a separate designation, a specific attribute, a particular character. Conceive accordingly the distinction, variation, and unity characteristic of the various Manifestations of holiness, that thou mayest comprehend the allusions made by the Creator of all names and attributes to the mysteries of distinction and unity, and discover the answer to thy question as to why that everlasting Beauty should have, at sundry times, called Himself by different names and titles.... " --Bah�'u'll�h (Gleanings from the Writings of Bah�'u'll�h, page 22)
Back to top.The basic idea is this: each person will create a character to be used in a short piece of writing. The name of the character will be given to all the other people in the group and they will try to imagine who and what the character is and does. This is really fun and might just be the starter fuel to get y'all writing some short stories.
Supplies:
Index Cards (3"x5" or larger), Imagination (required), "Baby Name" book or telephone book (optional), pencil or pen (your writing implement of choice.)
The first step is really easy, just pick a name. Pick a funny, silly, serious, pretentious, or boring name. Write the name in large letters on the top line of the front of an index card. Write the character's age, sex, physical description, occupation, hobby, nickname, usual environment, ethnic compostion, etc. on the front of the card below the name.
On the back of the card write a short little story of something the character did or said.
Make one for each person in your group, or decide how many characterizations you have time for and make that many. For example if you have 5 people in the group and you only have time to do two more cards each, each person should make 2 duplicate cards with the character's NAME ONLY on the top of the front of the card. These cards are then placed face down on the table and each person randomly chooses two cards.
Each person should now write what they think that name does for a living, looks like, age, sex, etc. as when you chose your original characters. On the back write a little ancedote that you think the character was involved in.
The fun part begins! Go character by character and have each person read what they imagined for that character's name. You can either read the original first or last, doesn't matter. If you have more time try combining two characterizations in a short dialogue exercise. Choose a situation and two characters and write a short piece of conversation.
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