Surprise Ending
Worksheet Description
This worksheet presents a horror writing prompt that describes a man who realizes he is reading a book depicting his own life, with a story that grows increasingly ominous as it progresses. As he reads on, his anxiety mounts until he reaches a scene where he is sitting in his own house, reflecting his current situation, only to discover someone is lurking outside his window in the dark. The prompt sets up a metafictional horror scenario that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, creating a chilling narrative opportunity for the writer.
The worksheet is intended to teach students how to build suspense and create a sense of foreboding in their writing. It encourages them to experiment with metafictional elements, where a character within a story becomes aware of the story itself. Students learn to craft a plot that involves self-awareness and the breaking of the fourth wall, while also engaging with the fear of the unknown. This exercise is designed to enhance creativity, narrative structure, and the ability to maintain tension throughout a story.