One way to start a mystery story is to use writing prompts or story starters. In this page we will supply you with some characters, plots, and writing prompts to help get you started on your own mystery.

Or.....Try this for a classroom project! Give each person a different suspense writing prompt, and let them start their own stories. Have each person write a sentence, and then switch papers. Each person will start where the other person left off. Keep switching until you think the story is complete. The results are always a surprise!
Have Fun!!!!!
 
 

Characters

Very tall, long nose with a broad chin and dark hair

Short, long blonde hair, dark green eyes and a big chin

About 6’2’’and balding hair with blue eyes and long arms

Medium height, black skin, dark hair cut short and a beard

Big, muscular with a shaved head and a mean look

Tall, with a broad nose and a chin that sticks out

Very short, with long curly hair and a warm smile
 
 
 

Plots Ideas

Your character is looking for the perfect present

Your character wants to ruin a painter's picture

Your character is being blackmailed

Your character is sick and needs a rare medicine

Your character is found dead in a room

Your character needs money to pay for college

Your character is running for office and wants to be sure he will win

Your character is planning on something evil

Your character is very sad
 

Suspense Writing Prompts

It was a strange night, there seemed to be a chill in the air...

As soon as I arrived, I could sense that something was out of place...

One night, Iooked out the window and I saw the neighbor...

I was reading a book when I looked up. There in the window I saw...

I decided to go for an evening stroll.  I walked about three blocks when I felt it...

They would have been fine if they hadn't stopped for the stranger...

Everyone avoided the big old mansion. It was believed to have...

They said she was able to utter a few words before she died...

Something is drastically wrong! Every time I pick up the telephone...

Sometimes I think my friend has strange powers. Every time he's around...

All of the sudden I was trapped!