Things They Carry
Things They Carry
Write a short passage about a person on their way somewhere. You cannot state their name, age, job, background, or anything directly about who they are. Instead, everything the reader learns must come from what they carry—their clothing, their belongings, the weight in their hands, the things stuffed into their backpack or pockets.
Are they holding something fragile? Something heavy? Is their backpack worn at the seams or brand new? Do they walk lightly, as if unburdened, or do their shoulders sag from the weight of something unseen?
Every object tells a story. What does this person’s things say about them?
Be precise. Every item should feel intentional—why are they carrying it, and what does it reveal?
Use texture, wear, and condition. A dog-eared book says something different than a pristine first edition. A clean, pressed suit tells a different story than one that smells faintly of sweat and desperation.
Consider hidden weight. Are they carrying something too large for their pockets? Do they hold something with both hands? Do they check on it nervously, like they’re afraid to lose it?
Think about movement. Do they clutch their bag tightly? Fidget with a ring? Adjust the strap of something too heavy for them? Their body language is just as important as what they carry.
No direct statements about identity (name, age, job, etc.).
The reader must learn about the character only through what they carry.
At least three items must be described in detail.
Posture and movement should reflect how they feel about their belongings.
The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien (obviously!)
The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz (for how objects shape personality)
No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood (for how details reveal character)
The book is tucked under one arm, worn soft from too much use. The cover curls at the edges, the pages thick with old notes, the margins more ink than paper now. Paradise Lost. Not just a book, but a guide, a curse, a thing too heavy to ever really set down. The spine bends, the corners crack, but still, it stays close—pressed to their side like something alive.
In the other arm, a stack of essays, a paperback full of criticism and argument, some professor’s deep dive into Milton’s meaning, his madness, his theology. The essays are marked up with underlines and furious question marks, pressed so hard into the page that the next five sheets bear the ghost of frustration.
The coat is worn thin at the elbows, a hand-me-down from a thrift store or an older sibling, something that was once presentable but now just hangs, slumped and exhausted, much like its owner. The cuffs are rolled back, revealing ink-stained fingers, hands that have spent too much time holding pens, flipping pages, pulling all-nighters that never seem to end.
The bag, overstuffed, sags against one shoulder. The zipper won’t close all the way, a crumpled exam paper poking out like a guilty secret. Somewhere inside, a half-eaten granola bar, abandoned mid-bite, sits next to a coffee-stained syllabus, the print blurred but still readable.
They don’t rush. They don’t drag their feet, either. Their walk is a slow, steady pull forward, like gravity is just a little stronger today. The weight isn’t unbearable, but it’s always there.
A student passes, backpack empty, hands free, face unbothered. They nod in greeting. The teacher nods back, distracted, already sinking back into the words, the arguments, the unfinished thoughts waiting for answers.
At last, the classroom door.
A breath. A shift of weight. The book, Paradise Lost, is placed carefully, almost reverently, onto the desk. The cover settles against the wood, like it belongs there.
Class begins.
Character: An elderly librarian
Carrying: A weathered leather-bound book
Description: The book is held delicately, with fingers tracing the embossed title. It speaks of a reverence for knowledge and a lifetime of stories.
Character: A young street artist
Carrying: A battered spray paint can
Description: The can is adorned with colorful splotches, reflecting the artist's vibrant personality and rebellious spirit.
Character: A shy child
Carrying: A tattered teddy bear
Description: Clutching the bear tightly against their chest, the child's attachment reveals a need for comfort and security.
Character: A frazzled working parent
Carrying: A crumpled grocery list
Description: The list is scribbled with hurried notes and crossed-out items, reflecting the chaos of their daily life and the weight of responsibilities.
Character: A seasoned adventurer
Carrying: A well-worn map
Description: The map is creased and marked with annotations, a testament to the explorer's thirst for discovery and determination to chart new territories.
Character: A compassionate nurse
Carrying: A stethoscope
Description: Draped around their neck, the stethoscope symbolizes the nurse's dedication to healing and their ability to listen with empathy.
Character: A stoic soldier
Carrying: A folded flag
Description: Gripped with solemn reverence, the flag speaks of sacrifice, duty, and a sense of honor deeply ingrained in the soldier's character.
Character: A quirky inventor
Carrying: A toolbox overflowing with gadgets
Description: Jangling with each step, the toolbox hints at the inventor's boundless creativity and passion for tinkering with machines.
Character: A mystical fortune teller
Carrying: A crystal ball
Description: Cradled in their hands, the crystal ball reflects the flickering candlelight, hinting at the fortune teller's enigmatic wisdom and connection to the supernatural.
Character: A determined athlete
Carrying: A worn-out gym bag
Description: Slung over their shoulder, the gym bag is a symbol of the athlete's relentless pursuit of excellence, filled with sweat-soaked gear and dreams of victory.
Character: A curious scientist
Carrying: A vial of bubbling liquid
Description: Cradling the vial with careful precision, the scientist's gaze is alight with wonder and curiosity, reflecting their insatiable thirst for knowledge and discovery.
Character: A compassionate volunteer
Carrying: A bundle of blankets
Description: Balanced on their arms, the blankets are soft and warm, embodying the volunteer's commitment to providing comfort and support to those in need.
Character: A secretive spy
Carrying: A locked briefcase
Description: Gripped tightly in gloved hands, the briefcase holds mysteries and secrets, hinting at the spy's clandestine missions and shadowy world of espionage.
Character: A nostalgic grandparent
Carrying: A faded photograph
Description: Tenderly held between weathered fingers, the photograph evokes memories of days gone by, reflecting the grandparent's deep love for family and cherished moments.
Character: A nomadic wanderer
Carrying: A worn-out backpack
Description: Strapped to their back, the backpack is a symbol of freedom and adventure, filled with essentials for survival and mementos from their travels across distant lands.
Character: A determined activist
Carrying: A protest sign
Description: Raised high above their head, the sign bears bold slogans and colorful artwork, showcasing the activist's unwavering commitment to social justice and change.
Character: A dreamy poet
Carrying: A tattered journal
Description: Clasped to their chest, the journal's pages are filled with scribbled verses and fleeting thoughts, capturing the poet's imagination and romantic spirit.
Character: A devoted pet owner
Carrying: A leash
Description: Looping around their wrist, the leash is a lifeline connecting them to their faithful companion, revealing the pet owner's unconditional love and sense of responsibility.
Character: A seasoned chef
Carrying: A bundle of fresh herbs
Description: Held reverently in their hands, the herbs release a fragrant aroma, symbolizing the chef's passion for culinary creativity and dedication to using the freshest ingredients.