SIGHTS
Soft-sided dividing walls, a name plate on the desk or fastened to the wall, a computer and headset, electrical cords dangling off the edge of the desk, a wastebasket, a rolling desk chair, a seat cushion, office supplies (a stapler, scissors, pens, highlighters, notepads), personal pictures in frames, a phone, a coffee mug or water bottle, snacks, file cabinets with magnets and reminders stuck to them, an inbox with stacks of papers or files, knickknacks and personal items, a child’s crayon drawings pinned to the wall, a college banner, postcards and posters tacked up to the dividing walls, sticky notes stuck to the desk or computer screen, a box of tissues, a desktop oscillating fan, a space heater on the floor, a sweater or jacket draped over the back of the chair, shelves filled with binders and manuals, a potted plant, seasonal decorations, a bulletin board with photos and memorabilia, a calendar, a dry-erase board
SOUNDS
Voices from the other cubicles, laughter as other office workers gather to talk, phones ringing or beeping, the tap of fingers against keyboards, printers shuttling out paper, chairs rolling or squeaking, the click of a stapler, tinny music from someone’s headset, the crackle of snack bags being torn open, the pop of a soda can, file cabinet doors sliding shut, papers being shuffled or crumpled or torn from pads, muted music from a computer, someone tapping or clicking a pen, buttons being punched on an adding machine, the whir of a fan, book pages being flipped, carts rolling down the aisles, footsteps, the ding of an elevator, a vacuum cleaner, a member of the maintenance crew running a sweeper over the carpets, water gently splashing into a potted plant
SMELLS
Markers and highlighters, old files, potpourri and air fresheners, scented candle warmers, carpet, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, perfume and cologne, hairspray, paper, cardboard boxes, microwaved lunches, coffee, birthday cake
TASTES
The gummy taste of a licked stamp or envelope, a plastic pen that is being chewed, coffee, tea, soda, water, snacks from the vending machine, homemade snacks, lunches from home (sandwiches, fruit, yogurt, cheese and crackers, salads), doughnuts, birthday cupcakes, delivered pizza, takeout food
TEXTURES AND SENSATIONS
The rough padded fabric of a wall divider, the give of a chair when one leans back in it, a cushioned seat, aching wrists and finger joints from too much typing, a crick in the neck from holding the phone between one’s ear and shoulder, an aching back, changing position to keep one’s feet from falling asleep, cold fingers and toes, the radiating warmth of a space heater under the desk, the intermittent gust of air from an oscillating fan, antsy movements (tapping a pen on the desk, drumming fingers, jiggling a foot), standing up to stretch, the satisfying scratch of one’s favorite pen on paper, slippery condensation from a cold bottle of water or can of soda, huddling into one’s sweater for warmth, the nick of a paper cut, a fresh cup of tea or coffee warming one’s hands
POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONFLICT
Co-workers who don’t respect one’s space
Brownnosing co-workers sucking up to employers and making others who don’t look bad
Power struggles and clashes between employees
Overbearing or inept bosses
A neighbor whose cubicle emits offensive smells (garlic, cologne, body odor) or irritating noises (pen clicking)
A co-worker stealing one’s ideas or clients
Being paired with an incompetent or irresponsible co-worker
Annoying or hurtful practical jokes
Sexual harassment
Having to work with substandard or faulty equipment
Conflicts between one’s work and home life
Overhearing a nearby conversation about oneself
PEOPLE COMMONLY FOUND HERE
Clients, delivery people, employees and bosses, lawyers and public relations people, maintenance staff, members of the cleaning crew, professionals from other companies attending a business meeting
RELATED SETTINGS THAT MAY TIE IN WITH THIS ONE
SETTING NOTES AND TIPS
Because an employee spends so much time in her cubicle, the space can be a strong indicator of her personality. What kind of memorabilia does she keep? Is the area neat or sloppy? Is it sterile and plain or over-decorated? How protective is she of her things? The answers to questions like these will determine what kind of cubicle the character would have and will enable authors to create workspaces that are as unique as their characters.
SETTING DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
The fluorescents flicked off, leaving just the computer’s glow and the dim light of the desk lamp. A cleaning cart rolled by on well-oiled wheels. The scents of bleach and glass cleaner made Mike’s nose twitch, but he kept working, his fingers scurrying across the keyboard like termites racing to erect a mound before the flood came.
Techniques and Devices Used: Light and shadow, multisensory descriptions, simile
Resulting Effects: Characterization