Writing exercise: The decisive confrontation

A private meeting between a boss and an employee in a modern office. The boss looks stern and composed, while the employee appears nervous and apologetic. The office has a large desk, a computer, and a cityscape view from the window.

Introduction to the exercise and its purpose:

The goal of this exercise is to train writers to handle confrontational dialogue. Dialogue should be used to express intense emotions and confrontation between characters in a convincing way.

Situation:

A boss and an employee confront each other in a private meeting after the employee has made a serious mistake.

Exercise:

Write the confrontation scene, focusing on the dialogue between the boss and the employee. The dialogue should reveal the emotions of both characters and the power dynamic between them.

Suggestions and development of the exercise:

Start with the boss exposing the problem in a calm but assertive manner. The employee should respond by defending or apologizing, depending on his or her personality. Use alternating between calm tones and emotional outbursts to keep the dialogue realistic. Insert details about movements and physical reactions to increase tension. Conclude with a temporary resolution or cliffhanger that prompts continuation of the story.