A year of Writing Prompts: February 23

How to use these prompts

Superheroes and villains battling on the London tube?
Or is it something else, like a movie set?

Prompts

1. "In the little moment that remains to us between the crisis and the catastrophe, we may as well drink a glass of champagne." Paul Claudel
2. It's Open That Bottle Night. Write about someone who finally opens the bottle of wine they've been saving up for a special occasion.
3. Today is the feast day of St Polycarp of Smyrna, the saint said by some to be the one to invoke when looking for a parking space. Write about a driver who is looking for a parking space.
4. In 1886, the London Times published the first classified ad. Write about someone who places, or answers, a classified ad.
5. Scientists announced that they'd succeeded in cloning a sheep in 1997. Write a story about a clone. The species is entirely up to you.

Character Names

Alfred, Romana, Tatiana, Irvin, Irving, Roman, Damian

Character Traits

• When they suffer a reversal of fortune, they will be too proud to ask friends for help but will start again from scratch, alone.
• Believe that hard work is the key to success.
• Sturdy of constitution.
• May be born into a family whose fortunes have been reversed, and take it upon themselves to restore the family name to its former glory.
• Likely to attempt rash things and undertake dangerous missions.
• Can be brusque and moody and appear unfriendly.
• A commanding figure. May be a bit of a bully.
• Unlikely to forget hardships or slights.
• Their driving force may be a feeling of inferiority, desperation or dissatisfaction with the status quo.
• Likely to be a good marksman.
• Like to solve mysteries.
• Will either hoard money or be reckless with it.
• May have musical or artistic talents, and enjoy solving mysteries.
• Work well within large organisations or the military, but not the navy.
• Would also do well as a keeper or restorer of old things.
• May have powerful foes who will attack or restrain them in some way.

Possible Themes

Drills, routines, uniforms, parades. National pride.

Solitude, vigilance.

Standing up and being counted.

Law enforcement.

Objects

A half-ruined tower overlooking the sea; a shipwreck; an owl; emeralds; a red bandana.