Character Development Prompts:

• What is your character’s greatest fear, and how does it affect their behavior?
• Describe a defining moment from your character’s childhood that shaped who they are today.
• How does your character react in stressful situations, and what does this reveal about their personality?
• What is your character’s most treasured possession, and what is the story behind it?
• What are three things your character is passionate about, and why are they important to them?
• How does your character view love and relationships? Have they had any significant experiences that influenced this view?
• What secret has your character kept from everyone, and what would happen if it were revealed?
• Describe a major failure your character has faced and how it impacted their life and outlook.
• What is your character’s biggest regret, and how do they cope with it?
• How does your character interact with strangers versus close friends? What does this say about their social comfort level?
• What is your character’s greatest strength, and how do they use it in their daily life?
• What is your character’s most annoying habit, and how does it affect their relationships?
• Describe your character’s ideal day. What activities do they engage in, and who do they spend time with?
• How would your character describe themselves in three words? How do others perceive them?
• What is your character’s relationship with their family, and how has it influenced their life choices?
• How does your character deal with failure or setbacks? Do they bounce back quickly or take longer to recover?
• What does your character want most in life, and what obstacles stand in their way?
• What is your character’s cultural or social background, and how does it shape their identity?
• How would your character change if they were given a second chance at a significant decision?
• What is your character’s dream job, and how does it align (or conflict) with their current career path?

Setting and World Building Prompts

• Describe the heart of the city where your story takes place. What makes it unique and vibrant?
• What does the landscape look like outside the city limits? How does this area contrast with urban life?
• Create a significant location that holds historical importance in your world. What events took place there?
• Describe a marketplace in your world. What sights, sounds, and smells fill the air? What goods are sold?
• What is the climate like in your world throughout the different seasons, and how does it affect daily life?
• Write about a unique natural wonder in your world. How does it influence the culture and mythology of the inhabitants?
• Describe the architecture of a prominent building in your world. What does it reveal about the inhabitants who built it?
• Explore a hidden or mysterious location that characters often whisper about. What legends surround it, and is it safe to explore?
• Create a gathering place or community hub where inhabitants come together to socialize, share news, or celebrate events.
• What unusual weather phenomena occur in your world? How do they impact travel, culture, or daily activities?
• Describe a transportation hub where various means of travel converge. What modes of transport are used?
• What rural areas or agricultural settings exist in your world? How are they vital to the society’s survival?
• Write about a forest, desert, or ocean that characterizes the natural landscape of your world. What secrets does it hold?
• What are the common sources of energy in your world? How do they influence the development of settlements?
• Describe the outskirts of a major town or city. What does this area reveal about the social divides in your world?
• Imagine a refuge or sanctuary where characters can retreat from the chaos of their lives. What makes it special?
• Explore the effects of a technological advancement or disaster on your world’s major settings. How has it changed the landscape?
• What does the nighttime look like in your world? Describe the atmosphere, sounds, and activities that occur under the stars.
• Create a setting where magic or supernatural elements manifest. How does this location differ from the rest of the world?
• Describe an abandoned or forgotten place in your world. What history does it carry, and what remnants remain?

Dialogue

• Two friends are reminiscing about a childhood memory. What details emerge in their conversation?
• A parent confronts their teenager about a secret they’ve been hiding. What emotions come into play?
• A barista overhears a customer confessing a secret. How does the barista respond?
• Two coworkers chase down a rumor circulating in the office. How do they communicate their doubts?
• A couple experiences a misunderstanding that spirals into an argument. What triggers the heated exchange?
• A mentor gives advice to their protégé about a tough decision. What words of wisdom do they share?
• Two strangers meet at a bus stop during a storm. What small talk leads to a deeper connection?
• A character is trying to persuade a friend to take a leap of faith. What convincing arguments do they use?
• Two siblings argue over a family heirloom. What past grievances are brought to light during the conversation?
• A detective interviews a suspect who seems evasive. What tactics and questions does the detective use?
• A teacher chats with a student struggling in class. How does the teacher provide support and encouragement?
• Two old friends run into each other by chance. What surprises and revelations unfold in their conversation?
• A character discusses their hopes and dreams with a sympathetic listener. What fears do they confront?
• A dialogue between two characters with opposing viewpoints about a current event. How do they argue their positions?
• A character expresses their feelings for someone for the first time. What hesitations and vulnerabilities emerge?
• Two roommates have a disagreement about house chores. How do they navigate the conversation to find a solution?
• A grandparent shares a life lesson with their grandchild. How does the grandchild react to the advice?
• Two characters bond over a shared interest while attending a workshop. What playful banter ensues?
• A doctor delivers difficult news to a patient. What language and tone do they use to convey empathy?
• A character speaks out in a meeting to voice a controversial opinion. How do their peers react?