30 Pirate Writing Prompts and Story Ideas
Ahoy, mates!
If you’re looking for some good old-fashioned pirate adventure, you’re in the right spot.
Get ready for a treasure chest of some exciting pirate-themed writing prompts that’ll get your imagination going.
We’re talking about daring captains, hidden treasure, and all the swashbuckling action you could ask for.
Grab your quill (or keyboard) and let’s set sail on a writing adventure!
30 Pirate Writing Prompts and Story Ideas
Shipwrecked on a Deserted Island: Imagine a situation where a pirate is marooned on an uninhabited island following a mutiny on his ship. The solitary pirate, once feared by many, is now alone, wrestling with nature for survival. As the pirate, you need to find food, build a shelter, and find a way to escape the island. Your past sins follow you like shadows as you begin to question your life choices. Explore the pirate’s transformation and struggle for survival.
Pirate Queen of the Seas: Amid a patriarchal society, a woman rises through the ranks to become the most formidable pirate in the Caribbean. She overcomes societal prejudice, and even hostility from her own crew, to become a respected and feared leader. While battling rival pirate crews and the navy, she also deals with personal struggles and hidden secrets from her past. Write about the rise and journey of this Pirate Queen.
The Lost Pirate City: Following an old, cryptic map, a crew of pirates discovers the legendary lost city of pirates, thought to be a myth. The city, once the haven for the world’s most notorious pirates, is abandoned and in ruins, but whispers of a colossal treasure hidden deep within still linger. Reveal the secrets and treasures of this forgotten city and the challenges the pirates face.
Pirate-turned-Privateer: A notorious pirate, seeking redemption for his past, agrees to become a privateer, legally sanctioned to raid enemy ships during wartime. However, his pirate instincts and the brutality of his past actions continue to haunt him. He is torn between the law of the land and the code of the pirates. Explore this journey of redemption and the struggle to leave the past behind.
The Sea Monster’s Pact: Legend tells of a monstrous sea creature, considered an omen of doom by most but viewed as a potential ally by one audacious pirate captain. The captain seeks to form an improbable pact with the creature to dominate the seas. His crew’s loyalty, however, wavers as they fear the cost of meddling with such formidable and otherworldly power. Write about the unfolding alliance between the pirate and the sea monster and its consequences.
The Cursed Treasure: A pirate crew uncovers a treasure that carries a deadly curse. Anyone who possesses the treasure falls prey to an inevitable doom. The once cohesive crew turns against each other, suspecting foul play and betrayal as they try to get rid of the curse. Delve into the crew’s unraveling unity and their attempts to lift the curse.
The Pirate’s Family: Tired of a life of plunder and danger, an aging pirate decides to retire and return to his long-abandoned family. He finds his village changed, his loved ones have grown older, and his past actions have left a profound impact. Reconciliation is not easy, and he struggles to fit into a peaceful life. Write about the pirate’s endeavor to reconnect with his family and adapt to a new way of life.
The Ghost Ship: The crew of a pirate ship encounters an infamous ghost ship known to haunt the seas. Initially dismissing it as mere superstition, the crew soon realizes that the ghost ship and its phantom crew are far from imaginary. The encounter forces them to face their deepest fears and darkest secrets. Uncover the truth behind the ghost ship and its connection to the pirate crew.
The Pirate Scholar: In an unconventional twist, a pirate captain is more scholar than scoundrel, using his pirate expeditions as a means to gather rare texts, maps, and artifacts for his extensive library. He’s torn between his love of knowledge and the violence his lifestyle inflicts. Dive into the life and conflicts of this intellectual pirate.
The Child Stowaway: A daring child sneaks aboard a pirate ship, fueled by romanticized tales of seafaring adventure. However, the harsh realities of pirate life are far from the stories. The child must adapt quickly to survive, and the pirates, who grow fond of their unexpected shipmate, need to protect him. Unfold the child’s journey and the pirates’ softening hearts.
The Pirate’s Code: Every pirate crew has a code, a set of laws they abide by. But what happens when a member of the crew violates the code? The crew has to decide on punishment while dealing with external threats. There are moral dilemmas, loyalties are tested, and a mutiny looms. Explore the repercussions of breaking the pirate’s code.
Pirates and Natives: After a storm, a pirate crew is shipwrecked on a strange land inhabited by indigenous people. The pirates must negotiate a co-existence with the natives, balancing their need for survival and escape with respect for the land and its people. Delve into the cultural clashes, alliances, and shared humanity.
The Governor’s Daughter: The defiant daughter of a colonial governor gets kidnapped by pirates. Instead of wanting to return, she finds liberation in the pirate’s life and decides to join their ranks. The crew, the governor, and the navy all have different reactions. Narrate the story of her daring transformation and the chaos it creates.
The Mermaid’s Gift: A pirate is saved from a shipwreck by a mysterious mermaid who gives him a magical gift. This gift brings him luck, but it also attracts dangerous rivals, threatening the stability of his crew and his own life. Discover the nature of the mermaid’s gift and its influence on the pirate’s fate.
The Retired Pirate’s Inn: A retired pirate opens an inn as a haven for weary sailors and former pirates. The inn soon becomes a hotspot for interesting tales, old rivalries, and dark secrets. Despite trying to stay out of trouble, the old pirate gets pulled back into his past life. Describe the retired pirate’s attempt to create a peaceful space amidst chaos.
The Pirate Spy: A pirate crew unknowingly shelters a spy sent by the royal navy. As the spy gathers information about pirate activities, he grows close to the crew and begins questioning his mission and loyalties. Explore the spy’s internal conflict and the consequences of his choices.
The Legend of the Pirate King: The Pirate King, a figure of legend, allegedly left a treasure trove that can only be found by solving a series of complex riddles. A pirate crew decides to embark on this dangerous quest, each member drawn by their own motivations. Weave a story about their perilous adventure and personal journeys.
The Pirate and the Governor: A cunning pirate and a corrupt governor form an unlikely alliance for mutual benefits. This partnership, although fruitful, is marked by distrust, intrigue, and double-crossing. Narrate their intricate relationship, hidden agendas, and the ensuing power struggle.
Pirates in a Changing World: In the early 18th century, the golden age of piracy is coming to an end. One pirate crew struggles to navigate this changing world, where their way of life is increasingly under threat. Delve into the pirates’ fight to survive in a world that is turning against them.
The Pirate Healer: A member of a pirate crew has a secret: they’re a skilled healer who dreams of a peaceful life away from violence. Balancing their dual roles becomes increasingly difficult as their healing skills attract unwanted attention. Explore the healer’s inner conflict and the impact on their pirate comrades.
Pirate’s Betrayal: The most trusted member of a pirate crew betrays his comrades, leading to their capture by the navy. He is rewarded and starts a new life, but guilt and regret haunt him. Years later, he decides to free his former mates, putting everything at risk. Write about his path to redemption and the fallout of his actions.
The Pirate’s Parrot: A pirate captain’s loyal parrot is not just a pet; it’s a keeper of secrets, holding information that could topple empires. When the parrot is stolen, a thrilling chase ensues, with everyone wanting to extract the parrot’s secrets. Unfold the race to retrieve the parrot and the chaos it creates.
The Time-Traveling Pirate: A modern-day historian studying piracy suddenly finds himself transported back to the golden age of pirates. He ends up joining a pirate crew, using his knowledge to their advantage. But how long can he keep his secret, and how does he get back to his own time? Delve into his time-travel adventure and the paradoxes he faces.
The Pirate’s Prison: A pirate is captured and thrown into a notorious prison. Amid harsh conditions and dangerous inmates, he plots an ambitious escape. Along the way, he forms unlikely alliances and stumbles upon secrets that could change the course of pirate history. Write about his struggle for freedom and the discoveries he makes.
The Compass that Points to the Past: A seasoned pirate discovers an enchanted compass that doesn’t point north but instead towards the holder’s past. As he follows its direction, he revisits his old haunts, faces from the past, and choices he’s made. His journey becomes one of self-reflection and possible redemption. Unravel the story of the pirate’s past through the compass’s guidance.
The Pirate Election: The pirate captain of a notorious crew decides to retire, sparking a fierce competition among the crew members who aspire to fill his shoes. The crew, instead of resorting to violence, decides to hold an election. The resulting power dynamics, alliances, and backstabbing form a political drama on the high seas. Explore the intrigue and tumult of this unusual pirate election.
The Pirate’s Secret Love: Amidst the ruthless world of piracy, a pirate harbors a secret love for a person they should consider an enemy – a naval officer. This dangerous affection risks the pirate’s standing within their crew and could ignite a deadly conflict. Navigate through the pirate’s passionate dilemma and the choices they must make.
The Plague Ship: A pirate ship, after raiding a plagued enemy vessel, becomes a floating hell when its crew begins to succumb to the deadly disease. The confined space, paranoia, and impending doom stir fear and madness among the pirates. Write about their desperate struggle for survival and the revelations that emerge.
The Pirate Haven Under Threat: A peaceful island community of retired pirates and their families comes under threat from the encroaching navy. They must decide whether to fight or flee, rekindling their pirate spirit for their home’s defense. Unearth the tale of these pirates-turned-settlers facing their turbulent past for the sake of their future.
The Pirate’s Apprentice: A young, naive man is taken under the wing of a wise, old pirate to learn the ropes of piracy. As he grows into his role, the realities of pirate life test his idealism and shape his character in unexpected ways. Showcase the evolution of this pirate apprentice and the bond with his mentor.
