Characters need interests outside of the mundane. They can’t just be friends or mentors. Chefs or accountants. They might enjoy hiking, swimming, or reading. Hobbies help define a character by giving something that interests them.

Characters come to life when they have odd quirks. For example, what if they play in a heavy metal band, while presenting themselves as proper office secretaries. What if they collect hairy spiders yet seem to not like being outdoors? What if they are graffiti artists despite seeming to have no artistic talent?

Your task is to write a story in which a person’s hobby or interest contradicts the image they present to the world. Consider dropping them into a situation in which their interest is revealed to the surprise of others.

Have fun with this one.