I used a random object generator for a character and got a weirdly specific backstory

Was stuck on a side character for a story set in Portland. Used one of those online random item generators. It gave me 'a rusted harmonica'. Forced myself to write why he had it. Ended up with a whole thing about him being a former train hopper who lost it in a bet in Spokane. Totally changed his role in the plot. Now he's trying to get it back. Never thought a small detail could flip a character like that. Anyone ever have a prompt tool give you something that spiraled way beyond what you expected?

3 comments

3 Comments

cole99411d ago

My last random generator gave me a paperclip and now my protagonist has a deep fear of office supplies (it got weird fast).

jamesm3811d ago

Sounds a bit much, cole994. It's just a paperclip, not a haunted stapler. Maybe dial back the fear before your guy starts screaming at sticky notes.

jordan_webb4d ago

Okay but is a paperclip phobia actually believable? Like jamesm38 has a point, it's just a bent piece of wire. I get making a character jumpy around a swinging stapler or something, but a deep fear of all office supplies feels forced. What's the backstory, did a binder attack him in a past life? Seems like you might be trying too hard to be quirky.