1. Introduction to Writing Characters
Dr Gitsham Creative Writing Elective
Lesson Six:
Introduction to Writing Characters
@dcijoneswriter
© Paul Gitsham 2013 – Free for non-commercial use

2. Stories are about characters
Sometimes it can be argued that an object or a place can be a character
eg Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series – Los Angeles is almost a person
For simplicity – let us stick to people
(or animals or bug-eyed monsters…)

3. Some questions to think about
Why do stories need characters?
What roles do characters play in a story?

4. What makes a compelling character?

5. First activity:
Who is your favourite character?
Explain to the person next to you what you like about that character – why have they made an impression on you?

6. The way that a character reacts to circumstances, situations and their environment needs to be consistent
Consistent need not mean predictable.
They should have their own internal logic
They should have their own morals – good or bad
They do not need to be aware of their code or the “rules” that govern their actions, but they should be clear to the reader
However, the writer should resist the temptation to spell them out for the reader. Let the character’s words and actions make them clear as the story progresses

7. Second activity:
What if….
The most interesting thing about characters is seeing how they respond to a situation
Take your favourite character and imagine how they would react within one of these scenarios – try and challenge yourself by choosing a scenario that they would not ordinarily find themselves in

8. Returning a faulty item to a shop
Trying to explain how to use a piece of technology to an elderly relative
Trying to pick somebody up in a bar