Create compelling characters

Online short course

This course is for any writer who wants to create characters that engage, perhaps enrage, intrigue, fascinate and captivate readers.

No matter what genre we write or read, our focus is on the people on the page, and what they do and feel. So how do we create characters who feel, behave and sound like people as we write them – and in the minds of our readers?

In this short course, delivered live online, I’ll aim to give you some essential frameworks, techniques and tools to create characters your readers will remember.

What we’ll cover

In these two masterclasses, you will learn:

• Elements that make characters memorable
• Connections between voice and character
• How to use point of view and narration to draw readers in
• Define possible strengths, flaws, fears, backstories, complexities, secrets, and motivations for your characters
• Writing physical descriptions
• Managing your cast.

We’ll also make time for:

• Exercises and tips to use in your writing
• Questions and discussion.

I’m Kelly Gardiner, and I’ll be your teacher for these classes. If you want to know more about me and my work, which is fair enough, there’s information right here.

Who’s it for?

This short course is for beginner and emerging writers, people in the early stages of their writing careers, or any writers who are interested in creating captivating characters.

This is part of the Fiction Fundamentals series.

(If you’ve already done my How to Build a Heroine masterclass, there’s a fair bit of overlap.)

Details

This course consists of two two-hour masterclasses, held online. You need to be available to attend both classes.

In between the two sessions, you’ll work on your own writing, exercises and worksheets provided, to apply what you’ve learned to your own work. That way, you’ll develop new or existing characters further, test out your new skills, and come to the second session ready to build on what you know.

Dates and times: 

February, 2025 (completed)

Where: The sessions will be online, in Google Meet, accessible only to people who have booked. (I’ll send you a link a few days beforehand.)

Cost: $140 or $100 concession.

You can reserve your place here.

This course is designed for small group learning, so class size and ticket numbers are limited.

You’ll also be invited to our private online writing community, where you can access free resources, keep in touch with each other, and stay up-to-date on writing and publishing opportunities.

During the course, you’ll receive slides and handouts, including writing exercises and tips.

If you have any questions, you can contact me here.