Writing an Apocalyptic Plague Narrative: A Comprehensive Guide

When you want to write a story about an apocalyptic plague wiping out most of mankind, the mass die-off or the transformation of a city from “bustling” to “ghost town,” the challenge is immense. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to craft such a narrative effectively, ensuring that it resonates with readers and adheres to SEO best practices.

Understanding the Plague Dynamics

The first step in writing a compelling story about an apocalyptic plague lies in understanding the dynamics of such an event. There are myriad possibilities for how a plague could spread and cause mass mortality, and each scenario presents unique challenges and opportunities for your narrative. Some plagues may not result in direct mass deaths but instead lead to a societal collapse that eventually wipes out a significant portion of the population. As someone who spends time modeling scenarios involving nasty bugs like Ebola, the real question is: what actually did wipe out a lot of humanity?

Your narrative can delve into the scientific aspects of the plague, but be critical of the science to maintain precision and credibility. The plague could spread through various means, each with its own set of dynamics:

Exploring Different Plague Scenarios

Fast-acting Plague: This is akin to an engineered biological plague or grey goo – a highly contagious and rapidly fatal infection. Think of how people might fall like dominoes with incredible panic and flight, leading to rapid loss of authority and anarchy. Bodies in the streets, cars piling up, and incredible panic would be a hallmark of such an event. The initial stages would be marked by people trying to flee, followed by a rapid breakdown of order and infrastructure. Quick but Not So Fast Plague: Similar to the Captain Tripp scenario or super COVID, this disease would spread so quickly that meeting an infected person is nearly certain death. Early confusion and fear would be prevalent, but people would likely try to avoid the virus until they need food. By this point, authorities might hold power longer, but the level of force used to contain the spread would depend on the situation. The number of visible bodies would be lower in this phase, as many would die at home or commit suicide to avoid spreading the disease. Slow but Seemingly Perceptible Plague: This scenario is more akin to the early signs of the 2020 pandemic, where the threat is palpable but the disease spreads gradually over time. In this context, people might flee, spreading the infection. Authorities might initially cover up the situation, but the breakdown of governance and infrastructure would eventually fail. This scenario would likely result in more visible bodies, primarily from violence as people die at home, followed by outbreaks in quarantined areas. Into the Woods: Another effective method is to send your protagonists 'into the woods' – camping, rafting, or trekking in remote areas. When they return, the outbreak would have had time to spread, resulting in a deserted and falling down city, with burning buildings and grass in the streets.

Describing the Before and After

The juxtaposition between the well-filled and functioning city and the desolate and falling down city after the plague is a key element in your narrative. This dichotomy not only highlights the scale of the devastation but also provides a stark contrast to the protagonists. Consider describing the vibrant life before the outbreak:

Bustling streets with diners, cafes, and markets packed with people. Office buildings with people coming and going, traffic and public transit systems in constant operation. Schools and universities filled with students, kids playing in parks, and locals performing daily routines.

Once the plague has taken hold, focus on the desolation and decay:

Empty streets devoid of life, with broken windows and littered sidewalks. Fallen buildings and infrastructure that has crumbled or been abandoned. Dead animals and decaying bodies in the streets, and overgrown grass taking over abandoned properties.

Survival Strategies and Protagonist Involvement

Your protagonists need to have well-developed survival strategies in place. This can involve:

Medical Knowledge: If the plague is a scientifically plausible disease, your characters should have medical training to understand the virus and potentially find a cure. Understanding the disease and its progression is crucial for survival. Leveraging Technology and Resources: In a post-apocalyptic world, access to technology, food, clean water, and shelter is scarce. Your characters should be adept at scavenging, foraging, and repurposing resources to survive. Building a Support Network: Humans are social creatures, and in such a crisis, finding others to join forces with is essential. Establishing a community with shared values and goals can increase the chances of survival. Adaptability and Flexibility: The ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances is crucial. Your characters should be adaptable, able to think on their feet and make quick decisions.

Conclusion

Writing an apocalyptic plague narrative requires a delicate balance between scientific accuracy and storytelling. By carefully considering the dynamics of the plague, the experience of the protagonists, and the transformation of the city, you can create a compelling and engaging narrative that resonates with your readers. Whether it's a fast-acting virus, a slow-spreading disease, or a mysterious outbreak, your story should capture the essence of survival in a post-apocalyptic world.