Writing Prompt: Persona

What is it you need to say but don’t know how to say? Is there someone else who can speak on your behalf? Who is someone that history has silenced or overlooked and needs their time to shine? What voice is not being heard, or heard only in part? Who is someone you need to extend empathy for? These are perfect questions to ask before writing any persona poem. Here are some additional prompts to help.

1. Make a list of questions you’ve always wanted to ask a family member. Choose one of the questions for the family member to answer. If you get stuck, use this opportunity to interview the family member or related persons directly (if possible).

2. Choose a fictional or historical figure that shares something in common with you. Writing in the voice of that character, have the persona give you advice on a problem you haven’t been able to solve yourself.

3. Lean into fiction. Create your own persona. Give them a name, a history, a biographical background, and so on. Remember to consider: Why is your persona speaking now? What is the conflict and what is their response to it? Who are they speaking to? The persona doesn’t need to be a human. Have fun with this!