Writing Assignment: Write your own “chilling tale.” Try to make use of some of the elements of “The Elevator” that make it scary
, tense and suspenseful—especially the language, imagery, and descriptions. Your story can be about any person, place, event, or thing that you think will allow you to write a scary story. Your story must include at least two characters and some climactic event. You are free to choose the setting and additional details.
The assignment wants to analyze your ability to write a short story. For that reason, I'll show you how to write it.
<h3>Short story structure</h3>
Exposition: Introduce the character and setting. Ex.: John ran at high speed and with such intensity that his legs were hurt. The lack of light and the rugged terrain made it even more difficult for John to escape what had been chasing him for hours.
Rising Action: Increase the tension of the story gradually, letting the suspense grow stronger and prepare the reader for the most important moment in the story. Ex.: John knew he was a few meters from the mansion and as he got closer, his heart raced faster and faster like a runner who is inches from winning the race. Even so, he advanced, until he managed to touch the door of the residence.
Climax: Present the most important moment in the story which could be the execution of a conflict, discovery, or anything else that leaves the tension to the maximum. Ex.: Mary violently attacked John with a dagger. He knew this was the moment of truth, where he and Mary would decide who would win the holy grail.
Falling Action: Show the resolution of the climax and start to lessen the tension of the story. Ex.: Wounded and unable to get up John sat on the floor, while Mary put the holy grail in her bag and ran away at high speed.
Resolution: Show the conclusion of the story and what will be the end of the characters. Ex.: John closed his eyes as he felt the blood flowing from inside his body. He knew that this was the end of him, so he just rested and thanked him for the adventure he went through.
The assignment shows that your story should be tense and with a lot of suspense. For this reason, you must create a mysterious story, with tones of horror or terror that leave the reader apprehensive, but excited to know how the mysteries will be solved.
