PeaceVerse Grades 6-8 Phase 3 Story Design Studio
My Dilemma Planning Sheet
Shaping the central conflict of my manuscript chapter · Lesson 12
Grade
6, 7 & 8
Format
Fillable Digital Sheet
Lesson Time
Author Studio · 45 min
Outcome
One Dilemma Statement
✍️
Every strong story turns on a choice that matters. In this lesson, the goal is to identify a real tension, conflict, or hard decision that could become the center of your chapter. You are not writing the whole story yet. You are naming the moment that creates pressure, reveals character, and makes readers want to know what happens next.
1
Brainstorm Possible Story Moments
list 3–5 real or inspired moments with tension
What is a dilemma?
A problem may have an easy fix. A dilemma is more layered: the character must choose between competing values, pressures, or consequences. Both sides matter.
3–5 moments that could become a story
Think about situations involving loyalty, identity, fairness, pressure, belonging, honesty, or responsibility.
A time I had to choose between fitting in and doing what I believed was right
A moment when staying silent felt easier than speaking up
A conflict where two important relationships pulled me in different directions
A situation where one choice had a cost no matter what
1
Moment One
What happened?brief snapshot
Why could it matter in a story?
2
Moment Two
What happened?brief snapshot
Why could it matter in a story?
3
Moment Three
What happened?brief snapshot
Why could it matter in a story?
2
Analyze the Tension
take your starred moment deeper
What emotions, pressures, or stakes are present?
Word Bank · Tap to collect useful language
conflictedpressuredisolatedguiltydefensiveresponsibleuncertainresentfulhopefulexposedloyaltorn
What changed, or what could change, because of this moment?
What exactly is the character deciding?
Name the two sides of the dilemma as clearly as you can.
3
Choose the Story Worth Writing
which one has the strongest conflict?
A strong manuscript chapter has a dilemma that reveals character and creates consequence. Choose the moment that has the most tension and the most meaning.
Why this one?
4
Talk It Through
use a partner to test your idea
Explain your possible chapter to a partner. Listen for what feels clear, what feels complicated, and what sounds most compelling.
What makes this a dilemma instead of just a problem?
What might each choice cost the character?
What might the character learn, question, or discover through this conflict?
My partner noticed
Write one useful insight, question, or observation from your partner.
5
Write My Dilemma Statement
this becomes the heart of your chapter
Turn your thinking into one clear statement. This sentence should name the conflict at the center of your story.
My character had to choose between loyalty to a friend and honesty.My character had to decide whether to stay silent or speak up.Doing the right thing came with a real social cost.
My superpower I will use to solve this dilemma is:
My superpower belongs to:
Choose the PeaceVerse universe connected to your superpower.
💚HeartVerse
Caring, belonging, courage, and emotional safety
🧠MindVerse
Thinking, learning, creativity, and wise choices
💛EmpathyVerse
Understanding others, working together, and helping people
⚖️JusticeVerse
Fairness, responsibility, and building a better future
Sketch the turning-point moment
✏️Sketch the image or scene at the center of this chapter
0% complete · start anywhere!