Flowers for Algernon, Part 1

In part one of “Flowers for Algernon,” Charlie Gordon works very hard to improve himself and learn how to read and write properly. He is motivated by the desire to be intelligent. In the box below, brainstorm other skills that people often work on improving—for example, learning to sing or excelling at a sport. Then, write a short story in which your main character wants to improve at one of the skills that you brainstormed. What motivates your character? Does he or she succeed?