Characters Who Resonate, with Bob Balmer

Some characters are so dynamic that readers root for or against them. A provocative character can enliven both the writing and the readers.

Get help creating memorable and believable characters, which requires blending a character’s physical, emotional, and intellectual traits with their interests, passions, work, and relationships. It might include imbuing a character, as Peter De Vries did in “Different Cultural Levels Eat Here,” with a quirk or mannerism that may become the catalyst for a story. Characters who resonate, such as John Irving's characters, draw in the reader. 

This workshop will cover:

• Character portrait vs character study.
• Show vs tell.
• Foreshadowing characters.
• How to use acquaintances to develop characters.
• How to use aspects of yourself to develop characters.
• What will your character look like?
• What personality and character traits will you give your characters?
• If you want to develop a funny character, are they funny and know it, or do they react to life funny?
• What quirks/idiosyncrasies – if any – help distinguish your characters?
• What motivates them?
• What does their job reveal about them?
• Reverse outline (listing your character’s traits). 
• Drawing your character to visualize them.

Details

Skill level: All

Class Policies

Instructors or Guides