Write a 5-7 fictional narrative addressing this question: How do stressful situations often reveal
the best and worst in people? Your story may be about the main character who is experiencing a
bad situation. What details lead up to this point?
Begin by creating a fictional scenario that is dramatic and stressful enough to trigger widely
different responses from characters. Then, think about how you might develop characters whose
reactions will give readers insight into the issues raised by the prompt. Finally, reflect on the
structure of the stories you read in this unit. Use plot devices similar to the ones in those texts,
such as frame stories or flashbacks, to add interest to your characters and events.