In Counterparts, Farrington is trapped in a life he abhors by events and forces he could control, as well as those beyond his control. In this story, a young man becomes aware he is or will be trapped, creating in him a moral or spiritual paralysis that prevents him from escaping or avoiding the trap.
•In your journals, write about a recent argument or disagreement with a friend, parent, teacher, or other adult. Now write about it from the other person’s point of view and then from the point of view of an objective observer.
•In your journals, brainstorm a list of individuals who have dedicated their lives to the service of others. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of living such a life.
This going to the beginning of a story about a conflict between two or more people that permanently divides them. The challenge in a story like this is to establish a relationship between multiple characters that feels real. You want to make readers believe that their split means something. In order for this conflict to have emotional weight, the reader must care that something has caused the relationships between the characters to dissolve. The reader must get some sense that these characters once felt obligated to each other. You must establish some reason that these characters feel they have to break the bonds on these obligations because of this conflict.
Your next piece will grow from these journal entries.
