Plot: Premise

Premise of Story

"Plot: Premise" Now that you've brainstormed the general story idea, let's identify some story elements:

(1) Setting(s). Where and when does your story take place?

Goshen, Indiana, 1906
Michigan City, Indiana-Indiana State Prison 1907-1922
South Bend, Indiana 1922-1934

(2) Protagonist. Who is your main character?
(2b) Flaw. What is the protagonist's major flaw?
(2c) Goal(s). What does the protagonist want (or want to avoid)?

Lewis Fuller. His major flaw is that he is an immoral reprobate. Although married with a son, he has a mistress on the side and conducts illegal activities alongside his legit farming business. His goal is to prove himself innocent of killing his wife and to find out who did.

(3) Conflict(s). What's keeping them from their goal(s)? Why?

His wife, Elizabeth, is murdered. He goes to trial and is sentenced to life in prison. Only problem is, he is innocent and, other than his mother-in-law, no one believes him.

(4) Antagonist(s). Who or what is creating the conflict(s)? Why?

Molly, his girlfriend, became jealous and killed Lewis' wife. He doesn't know until the very end, though.

The prison system. They continually deny and prevent his pardon.

Just for fun: Write a provocative one-sentence description of your story.

After the murder of his wife, Lewis Fuller is tried and sentenced to prison for life, despite being innocent.