Overview
This prompt is designed to guide writers in creating impactful flash fiction focused on unexpected encounters. Writers seeking to enhance their storytelling skills and evoke deep emotions will benefit from these structured guidelines.
Prompt Overview
Purpose: This flash fiction aims to explore the emotional depth of an unexpected encounter between two strangers.
Audience: It is intended for readers who appreciate nuanced storytelling and character-driven narratives.
Distinctive Feature: The story employs vivid sensory details and a non-linear structure to enhance emotional resonance.
Outcome: Readers will be left contemplating the fragility of human connections and the impact of fleeting moments.
Quick Specs
- Media: Text
- Use case: Flash fiction writing
- Techniques: Vivid details, dialogue, symbolism
- Models: Non-linear structure, emotional peak
- Estimated time: 1-2 hours
- Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Variables to Fill
- [SPECIFY THE LOCATION] – Specify The Location
- [CHARACTER 1 NAME] – Character 1 Name
- [CHARACTER 1 AGE] – Character 1 Age
- [CHARACTER 1 OCCUPATION] – Character 1 Occupation
- [CHARACTER 1 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION] – Character 1 Physical Description
- [CHARACTER 1 PERSONALITY TRAITS] – Character 1 Personality Traits
- [CHARACTER 1 BACKSTORY] – Character 1 Backstory
- [CHARACTER 2 NAME] – Character 2 Name
- [CHARACTER 2 AGE] – Character 2 Age
- [CHARACTER 2 OCCUPATION] – Character 2 Occupation
- [CHARACTER 2 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION] – Character 2 Physical Description
- [CHARACTER 2 PERSONALITY TRAITS] – Character 2 Personality Traits
- [CHARACTER 2 BACKSTORY] – Character 2 Backstory
- [ENCOUNTER SETTING DESCRIPTION] – Encounter Setting Description
- [INCITING INCIDENT] – Inciting Incident
- [RISING ACTION] – Rising Action
- [CLIMAX] – Climax
- [RESOLUTION] – Resolution
- [THEME] – Theme
- [DESIRED EMOTIONAL IMPACT] – Desired Emotional Impact
Example Variables Block
- [SPECIFY THE LOCATION]: abandoned train station
- [CHARACTER 1 NAME]: Lila
- [CHARACTER 1 AGE]: 28
- [CHARACTER 1 OCCUPATION]: photographer
- [CHARACTER 1 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION]: short brown hair, green eyes
- [CHARACTER 1 PERSONALITY TRAITS]: curious, introverted, observant
- [CHARACTER 1 BACKSTORY]: lost her family in a crash
- [CHARACTER 2 NAME]: Mark
- [CHARACTER 2 AGE]: 32
- [CHARACTER 2 OCCUPATION]: mechanic
- [CHARACTER 2 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION]: tall, rugged, tattooed arms
- [CHARACTER 2 PERSONALITY TRAITS]: outgoing, empathetic, restless
- [CHARACTER 2 BACKSTORY]: escaped a troubled childhood
- [ENCOUNTER SETTING DESCRIPTION]: dimly lit, graffiti-covered walls
- [INCITING INCIDENT]: Lila hears a noise behind her
- [RISING ACTION]: Mark steps into the light, surprised
- [CLIMAX]: they share their deepest fears
- [RESOLUTION]: they part ways, changed forever
- [THEME]: connection amidst solitude
- [DESIRED EMOTIONAL IMPACT]: hope and understanding
The Prompt
#CONTEXT:
You are an expert flash fiction writer tasked with crafting an impactful short story centered around an unexpected encounter between two strangers in a specific location. The goal is to capture the essence of the moment and the emotions involved, aiming to create a profound impact on the reader in no more than 500 words.
#ROLE:
Expert flash fiction writer
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
- Introduction:
- Set the scene
- Introduce the characters
- Rising Action:
- Build tension through the unexpected encounter
- Climax:
- Reach the emotional peak of the story
- Resolution:
- Conclude the story with a lingering impact
- Use vivid sensory details to immerse the reader
- Employ dialogue to reveal character and heighten tension
- Utilize a non-linear structure if it enhances the story’s impact
- Incorporate symbolism and subtext to add depth
- Craft a powerful ending that resonates with the reader
#TASK CRITERIA:
- Focus on capturing the emotional essence of the unexpected encounter
- Develop fully realized characters with distinct traits and backstories
- Create a vivid and immersive setting that enhances the story
- Build tension and anticipation leading up to the climax
- Avoid clichés and predictable outcomes
- Aim for a profound emotional impact that lingers with the reader
#INFORMATION ABOUT ME:
- Location: [SPECIFY THE LOCATION]
- Character 1 Name: [CHARACTER 1 NAME]
- Character 1 Age: [CHARACTER 1 AGE]
- Character 1 Occupation: [CHARACTER 1 OCCUPATION]
- Character 1 Physical Description: [CHARACTER 1 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION]
- Character 1 Personality Traits: [CHARACTER 1 PERSONALITY TRAITS]
- Character 1 Backstory: [CHARACTER 1 BACKSTORY]
- Character 2 Name: [CHARACTER 2 NAME]
- Character 2 Age: [CHARACTER 2 AGE]
- Character 2 Occupation: [CHARACTER 2 OCCUPATION]
- Character 2 Physical Description: [CHARACTER 2 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION]
- Character 2 Personality Traits: [CHARACTER 2 PERSONALITY TRAITS]
- Character 2 Backstory: [CHARACTER 2 BACKSTORY]
- Encounter Setting Description: [ENCOUNTER SETTING DESCRIPTION]
- Inciting Incident: [INCITING INCIDENT]
- Rising Action: [RISING ACTION]
- Climax: [CLIMAX]
- Resolution: [RESOLUTION]
- Theme: [THEME]
- Desired Emotional Impact: [DESIRED EMOTIONAL IMPACT]
#RESPONSE FORMAT:
A standalone flash fiction story of no more than 500 words, free of any XML tags or extraneous formatting. The story should follow standard prose formatting with paragraphs and dialogue as needed.
Screenshot Examples
[Insert relevant screenshots after testing]
How to Use This Prompt
- Location: specific place of the encounter.
- Character 1 Name: first stranger’s name.
- Character 1 Age: first stranger’s age.
- Character 1 Occupation: first stranger’s job or role.
- Character 2 Name: second stranger’s name.
- Character 2 Age: second stranger’s age.
- Inciting Incident: event triggering the encounter.
- Desired Emotional Impact: feelings aimed to evoke in readers.
Tips for Best Results
- Embrace the Unexpected: Start with a vivid setting that draws readers in, creating an atmosphere ripe for surprise.
- Character Depth: Develop your characters with distinct traits and backstories to make their encounter meaningful.
- Build Tension: Use rising action to heighten anticipation, leading to a powerful emotional climax that resonates.
- Impactful Conclusion: Conclude with a resolution that leaves a lasting impression, inviting readers to reflect on the experience.
FAQ
- What is the main theme of the flash fiction?
The theme revolves around unexpected connections and the profound impact of brief encounters. - How should the characters be developed?
Characters should be fully realized with distinct traits, backstories, and emotional depth. - What setting enhances the story's impact?
A vivid and immersive location that reflects the characters' emotions and the encounter's significance. - What is the desired emotional impact on readers?
The story aims to evoke a sense of longing, reflection, and connection that lingers.
Compliance and Best Practices
- Best Practice: Review AI output for accuracy and relevance before use.
- Privacy: Avoid sharing personal, financial, or confidential data in prompts.
- Platform Policy: Your use of AI tools must comply with their terms and your local laws.
Revision History
- Version 1.0 (December 2025): Initial release.