Complete exercises to locate the unique core of your characters
Identify character needs, wants, and what drives them within your story world
Learn how characters influence plot and structure
Chart the emotional journey of your protagonist while discovering tools you can apply to all characters
About this course:
Memorable stories are grounded by great characters. The core of who those characters are drive the story, but characters need to take action, and those actions need to ring true to their core as they move from one plot point to the next. Why is your character making that specific choice at a particular moment? What's their motivation? Whether you are finished with a draft or just have a nugget of an idea, the core of your characters must be excavated. Through examples, discussions, and writing exercises, you discover your characters' needs, wants, and drives. You flush out how your characters think and feel to discover who they are fundamentally. You also address how the core elements of your characters influence plot and structure and discover ways to reveal that through action and dialogue. The goal of this course is to chart the emotional journey of your protagonist character and leave with tools that can be applied to make every character, regardless of how big or small, play meaningful roles in your story.
Summer 2025 Schedule
Date & Time
Details
Format
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This section has no set meeting times.
Future Offering (Opens April 28, 2025 12:00:00 AM)
Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted.
This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.
Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from April 28, 2025 to July 06, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
(Optional)
WIRED FOR STORY: THE WRITER'S GUIDE TO USING BRAIN SCIENCE TO HOOK READERS FROM THE VERY FIRST SENTENCE
by CRON, LISA
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