: Re: How to come up with original ideas for stories? I seem to have several ideas for fanfiction novels. I'm working on a long fanfiction at the moment that's quite complex and I'm trying to

@Hamm6328258

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To begin with; This is an expansion of @DPT 's answer to this question.

A dialogue between two fleshed-out (or quickly sketched-out) characters can possibly develop into something "bigger" by having them talk about something that you choose in advance - be it something (1) ordinary or something (2) extraordinary. There's a potential (3) bonus too.

In the case of (1) you could then choose to give them opposing views/perspectives/experiences on/of something we can all relate to. Their differences can then lead to personal developments in them both. This is the basis for many realistic stories, but a part of almost any story at some point.

In the case of (2) they needn't be as different as I would suggest them to be in (1), and the 'stranger' subject (the extraordinary) would be the basis of their mutual development, and they would more likely go on "the journey of the shorter/longer story" together or 'on the same side'.

In either case, you could stumble upon 'a great idea for a/your story', simply by having characters react naturally or unnaturally to each-other or a third party (the extraordinary).

In the case of (3) If you do this exercise with semi-known or yet-unknown characters (to you or an established fanbase) you will most likely get to know them very well - perhaps very quickly too - since interaction and communication tell A LOT about a character.

Notes/Tips

You could know early on what the relation is between the 2 characters, as this would change the behavior of the two in both situations (1) / (2). You could also 'learn this' as you go. The same goes for the following:

The exact location of their interaction, e.g. "The café of a Prince Hotel on 5th Avenue" (real or fictional).
The broader location (real or fictional)
The era/time/dimension of the interaction (real or fictional)
Their age, background, skills, etc.
I think you get the point: You can learn a lot as you go and then edit the already written when you know more.

In either case, they should differ in some ways, though personal differences are probably more crucial in (1).
An unusual/odd interaction between the characters could raise many questions in the reader (and the writer seeking a bigger story) as to what might cause this behavior in the character(s)

For (1) it would potentially create a sense of mystery.
For (2) the reader would perhaps assume that the extraordinary had a connection to the unusual/odd behavior.

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