BOOTCAMP LESSON 16: Adapting

Welcome back!

Time for the latest installment of BOOTCAMP! This month’s lesson is called Adapting, and will focus on how a character finds a solution to a difficult scenario, and changes in order to overcome it.

We are shaped by the world we live in. Our environment influences our decision, lifestyles, and affects how we grow as individuals. Similar to my previous lesson on Integration, which focused on plausibly integrating a pre-established character in various environments, this lesson focuses on how environments affect individuals. A good example is the story of Superman; how would Kal-El have turned out if instead of the quiet farms of Kansas, he would have grown up in the crime infested streets of Gotham city? Odds are he would have had a much darker demeanor.

Lesson 16: Adapting

We are all born the same, but yet as we get older, we become different. These differences stem from when and where we come from. Our personalities, intelligence, opinions and morals are dictated by what we experience growing up. A person born in Canada during the 1600’s will be different from a person born in Canada during 2000’s. Just as a person born in Canada during the 2000’s will be different from a person born in Brazil during the 2000’s.

The goal of today’s writing game will be to take one of the offered settings, and explain how they would have affected the characters mentioned below.

So, here are today's guidelines!

1. Below are 3 public domain characters. Choose ONE to work with.
2. Next are 5 "Settings".
3. Write a short description of a story based on the selected character, for EACH environment, as if they lived there their entire lives.
4. All 5 short story descriptions must have a limit of 20 phrases each!
5. Within each short story description you will write, you must include: WHO the character is, and demonstrate how he/she was affected by this environment.
6. The candidate you selected must have adapted to fit the environment you selected, BUT must remain true to the original design.

Candidates:

Candidate 1: King Arthur

Legendary leader of the Knights of the round table. Known as a courageous fighter, an intelligent tactician, and a noble King. Has lead armies of great men, against odds that were considered insurmountable.

Candidate 2: Sherlock Holmes

World class detective, known for a great sense of observation, forensic science, a talent for disguises, proficiency in various forms of combat and a logical reasoning that borders on the fantastic.

Candidate 3: Tarzan

Raised in the wild by animals, Tarzan has learned to survive in harsh conditions on minimal ressources. He is known to be physically strong, incredibly agile, but socially awkward. Also has the ability to communicate with animals.

Settings:

Setting 1: World War 1

A global war that originated in Europe and lasted from 28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918. The war included two opposing alliances: the Allies versus the Axis forces of Germany.

Setting 2: Futuristic

Influenced by the scientific and social awareness of the present, this world displays incredible technological advancements and reflects the best humanity can hope for.

Setting 3: Deserted Island

Being stranded on a deserted island, the character must to live off the land by finding food, water and shelter. Characters may also be forced to deal with isolation, or else face possible insanity.

Setting 4: Mordern City

Dark alleys of modern day, highly populated city. Law enforcement attempts to put a stop to illegal activity or investigating mysteries by tracking down  various sources or suspects.

Setting 5: Post Apocalyptic

The world has gone through a terrible change. Civilization no longer exists and those who managed to stay alive must now scavenge for supplies and fight other survivors for resources.

For those who aren’t afraid to share their entries, feel free to submit your entries as a reply to this post. Remember, this is a game, so no posting bad comments about other people's entries. If some simply want to share in private, send me a message via twitter @OzmosisCoH.

Now go! Create! And most importantly, have fun!

Until Next time!

Cheers,

Patrick Osborne