Creative Fiction: Superhero Prompt Ideas

Using your superhero/supervillain as a starting point, choose one of the below prompt ideas to write a short story. Your short story should be at least 2 pages typed, single spacee, 12 point font.

Origins Story

Every hero has an origins story: how he/she gained his/her powers and why he/she decided to use them for good. Spider-Man was bitten by a radioactive spider and learned that the power he gained came with the responsibility to use it wisely. Superman is an alien from a distant planet and gained his abilities from our yellow sun. Write a story to explain your superhero's origins. Be original – don't just regurgitate a well-known hero's tale. Give your hero some personality to make us care about him.

New Villains

Every hero needs a villain to fight, one with his/her own powers and abilities to provide a proper challenge. Create a story that introduces a villain (could be the same villain you created for the character sketch) to battle your hero. Think of why this villain becomes enemies with your hero. The story can detail their fight, the ways the villain provides an unexpected danger to the hero, and the way the hero finally defeats him. Again, see whether you can come up with an original way for the hero to win instead of just beating up the bad guy.

Natural Disasters

Villains can get old after awhile, but natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes can give a superhero a whole new task to perform. Write a story about how a natural disaster begins, the people in peril and the way the hero keeps them safe. For inspiration, look to the first "Superman" film, which involves the Man of Steel saving California from the effects of an earthquake.

Daily Life

Even superheroes need a break after awhile. Many of them have secret identities, as well as normal friends and relatives who they spend time with. Write a story about your hero's average day: the things he/she does, the people he/she sees and the places he/she visits. Be sure to create some type of "average joe" conflict your superhero must face, such as, getting fired from a job, or girlfriend/boyfriend breaking up with him/her.

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