Writing Exercise 20: Someone Else’s View

One of the things that is most demanding when writing is creating a sympathetic character whose view is different from your own. This exercise isn’t about someone who differs from you on a major subject but it is about exploring difference sympathetically.

 Stage 1.
Think of a firm view you hold on an unimportant subject related to an everyday action. For example, do you add milk to tea or put the milk in first? Do you have firm views on how cutlery should be arranged in a drawer? How do you think a bed should be made (if at all)? Write down three reasons why you think your view is right.
Then consider how you came to hold this view. Did you develop it for yourself? Was it something you learned or were taught? Does it recall anything in your past? Write this down.

 Stage 2.
Now think of a character who has an opposing view on this subject. Write down three reasons why they think they are right.
How did this character come to hold this view? Attach it to a significant memory or series of memories. Write this down.

 Stage 3.
Write from the point of view of the character while they are doing this action. Let the action itself be a trigger first for their strong views and then for the memory or memories connected with it. 
You can, if you wish, develop what you have written into a monologue, poem or short story.

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