Writing Excuses - 5

 Homework: Take one of the ideas you’re excited about, and then audition five different characters for the lead role in that story. Make sure they’re all different from each other.

Narrator: Hello, please take a seat. Do we all know why we're here? 

Five resounding acknowledgements rang out from the five people seated across from the narrator.

Narrator: Excellent. We'll be doing something a bit different today. The author needs to choose a main character and she's torn between you five: Dominik, Annie, Sonja, Richard, and Leo.

The narrator smirks as his eyes scan across the eager faces.

Narrator: You're all strangers who have arrived in a strange town in different ways. No matter which road you take, you always end up back where you started. You can't escape. Night is approaching, what do you do? The narrator holds up his finger and smiles.

Narrator: Convince us that you have what it takes to lead this group out of here.

Dominik (the Explorer - abrasive, decisive):

Dominik slams his fist down onto the table, causing the others to jump slightly. His eyes narrowed, challenging their lack of conviction.

Dominik: I get things done. You see what's going on out there? We can't afford to sit on our asses like this. We need results and we need them NOW!

Dominik stands, arms crossed, back straight with authority as he looks down at them.

Dominik: Night's coming. You want to find out what happens then? No? Then follow me.

Annie (the Social Worker - soft-spoken, empathetic):

Annie's voice remains calm and steady as she speaks.

Annie: We're all in this together and we all have something valuable to offer.

Annie locks eyes with each person, her smile gentle but reassuring without a need for words.

Annie: I know we're all scared, but we can't let that guide us to act impulsively. If we don't stay united, we won't make it. I'm the glue that will keep this group together. I won't let us fall apart.

Sonja (the Physicist - logical, curious):

Sonja scoffs lightly, leaning forward as she eyes the group.

Sonja: Oh, sure, let’s talk about everything else, but no one’s actually discussing how we get out of here. There’s a puzzle to solve, and guess what? You're going to need someone that can put the pieces together.

Her tone is a mix of frustration and quiet confidence.

Sonja: I’m the one who can solve this.

Richard (the Ex-Priest - wise, contemplative):

Richard’s eyes remain closed as he listens, giving the others time to speak. When it’s his turn, he opens them slowly and fixes his gaze ahead.

Richard: Patience is our greatest ally right now. Sometimes the path ahead is not immediately clear, but by remaining open, and listening to our surroundings, we will find the answers we seek.

Richard closes his eyes again, as if in prayer. His voice takes on a soothing quality.

Richard: I’ve traveled through darkness many times before. I can lead us through this.

Leo (the Journalist - driven, observant):

Leo springs to his feet, his eyes alight with a mix of excitement and determination. He can barely contain himself as he addresses the group, his grin widening.

Leo: There’s never been a story I couldn’t get to the bottom of. Every detail, every thread; I’ll follow it until I find the truth. If there’s a clue, I’ll find it. It’s what I do.

Leo places both hands on the table and leans into the others.

Leo: You can be sure of one thing, I’ll ask the questions that need to be asked. And I won’t stop until we understand everything that’s going on here.

Narrator: Thank you everyone for your time! We will contact you when the writing begins.