Story Planning Graphic Organizer

Use this organizer to plan the key elements of your short story before you begin writing.

1. Story Title

2. Characters

a. Main Character: Name & Key Traits

b. Supporting Characters: Names & Roles

3. Setting (Time & Place)

Describe where and when your story takes place. Use sensory details if you can.

4. Beginning (Setup)

What is the opening situation? How will you hook the reader and introduce your main character and setting?

5. Middle (Conflict)

What problem, challenge, or question drives your story forward? Why does this matter to your character?

6. End (Resolution)

How does your character solve the problem or change by the end of the story? What do readers learn?

After you complete this plan, use it to write the opening paragraph of your story. Good luck and have fun writing!

Sample Short Story Excerpt

Emerald Valley Amusement Park sat silent under the glow of the full moon. Rusted Ferris Wheel cars swayed in the chilly breeze, and a long-forgotten carousel creaked as its painted horses turned in slow circles.

Max Fernandez shivered as he stepped past broken cotton candy stands. His heartbeat thundered louder than the distant echoes bouncing off the grand entrance. He had come to find his sister, Luna, who had vanished here only an hour before.

He remembered the moment Luna raced past him, grinning wildly. “Bet you can’t catch me!” she had teased before dashing toward the Ferris Wheel. Moments later, she disappeared into the shadows. Now Max held the only clue—Luna’s silver charm bracelet—glinting in his palm under the moonlight.

A sudden rustle from the carousel made Max freeze. Footsteps cracked against the cracked pavement. He closed his fist around the bracelet and whispered, “No turning back now.”

Story Starter Prompt Cards

Choose one of the cards below to spark your short story idea. Write down the prompt you choose on your organizer before you begin outlining.

1. "When the sun set, the deserted zoo gates creaked open on their own…"
   
   
   
2. "In her grandmother’s attic, Maya found a dusty typewriter that seemed to write by itself…"
   
   
   
3. "The robot courier delivered a package that everyone had forgotten existed…"
   
   
   
4. "On the morning of the school’s 100th anniversary, the hallways whispered of a hidden door…"
   
   
   
5. "A sudden snowstorm trapped travelers in an abandoned train station with a secret…"
   
   
   
6. "Deep in the forest, Liam discovered a glowing key lying beside a giant tree root…"
   
   
   
7. "At the edge of the lake, fishermen spoke of a mysterious light beneath the water…"
   
   
   
8. "The first message from Mars arrived on Earth, but it was written in an unknown language…"

Exit Ticket

Name: ____________________ Date: ____________

1. Which narrative element did you focus on most in your opening paragraph? (Circle one)
   • Characters • Setting • Conflict
   
   
   
   

2. Write one sentence explaining how your opening hooks the reader and sparks interest.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What part of your story will you work on next? (e.g., Middle/Conflict, Resolution)
   
   
   
   

4. What question or support would help you improve your story as you continue drafting?