Crafting Characters

“The most complete and comprehensive guide to character I've ever read." Adam Croft Character is at the heart of every story. We love stories because we fall in love with characters, we want to see what happens to them and we want to see them experience hope and despair. International Emmy nominated writer, Mark Boutros, offers a guide to creating characters who are engaging, emotionally driven and memorable. With experience as a screenwriter, novelist, creative writing teacher and mentor, Mark shares a mixture of theory and creative writing exercises to get you thinking about the questions to have in your mind during character creation. A lot of stories are perfectly functional, hitting all the right beats, but often fall short due to a thin or obvious character. Problems people think are related to plot are often symptoms of a deeper issue with the characters. Mark highlights what is at the core of character, the importance of motivation, trauma, obstacles and how every little detail can enrich an experience for an audience and ultimately make people care. How do you get to know people? By asking questions and getting to know them so you move past the shallow. Do the same during character development and your story will be so much more engaging for it. Each chapter focuses on an aspect important to character development and ends with exercises so you can apply the concepts to your work and write better characters. The book includes: - Goals, desires, lessons - Stakes to your character’s goal - Character flaws - Developing your character’s voice and world view - Generating truthful obstacles - How to write anti-heroes and compelling villains - Character and personality traits - Common mistakes in character writing - Character research - A character questionnaire The majority of the ideas originate from the author’s screenwriting experience, but they apply to all forms of story, whether it be fiction writing or playwriting, because the focus is on what really makes a character stand out and memorable. The job of the writer is to deliver an emotional experience. Character is the heart of that. If you're looking for a book to help you to improve your screenplay writing, fiction writing, or play writing then this is for you. An invaluable tool for beginner and experienced writers. This is perfect for anyone interested in screenwriting books, fiction writing books, or character development books. Praise for The Craft of Character: “Would 100% recommend not only for beginners, but also for experienced writers looking to get to know their characters better. A bit like writer-character therapy.” reader review “Both the chapters and the exercises are easy to understand and get through. Mark Boutros clearly knows his stuff and seems happy to be able to help the reader, rather than becoming lecturing and elitist. The structure of the book also means that it is easy to dip back into, when you come across a specific problem, and as such it is a great little reference book, which any aspiring storyteller would benefit from.” reader review “Normally, I find myself arguing with the author of craft books, but here I would say 90% of what I read were things I either found helpful, or flat out agreed with whole heartedly and just needed a reminder on why these things are important. The exercises were a excellent touch, especially as someone who is teaching writing, it gave me ideas on what to do for my students.” reader review

Analyzes the characterization of the protagonists in the five extant, so-called 'ideal' Greek novels of the first few centuries C.E., using the conceptual couples of typification/individuation, idealistic/realistic characterization, and static/dynamic character to show their complexity.

Former private investigator and New York Times notable author David Corbett offers a unique and indispensable toolkit for creating characters that come vividly to life on the page and linger in memory. Corbett provides an inventive, inspiring, and vastly entertaining blueprint to all the elements of characterization-from initial inspiration to realization-with special insights into the power of secrets and contradictions, the embodiment of roles, managing the "tyranny of motive," and mastering crucial techniques required for memorable dialogue and unforgettable scenes. This is a how-to guide for both aspiring and accomplished writers that renders all other books of its kind obsolete.

"Crafting Minds" - Embark on a Journey Where Creativity Fuels Learning Unlock the joyous combination of education and imagination with "Crafting Minds," a transformative ebook that invites parents and educators into the enchanting world of craft-based learning. Let your fingertips tap into a treasure trove of activities that aren't just fun—they're stepping stones to a broader educational horizon. Chapter by chapter, you will discover how to lay the perfect foundation for a home or classroom environment that energizes young minds through hands-on activities. Start with the essentials of creating a craft-centric learning space and confidently navigate through sourcing the best materials to kick-start this wonderfully artistic academic adventure. Dive into the early stages of childhood development by integrating crafts into sensory play and fine-tuning motor skills. Watch as these crafts become the catalyst for literacy as your young ones go from mastering alphabet crafts to spinning tales with homemade puppets and crafting their very own books. Math and science leap off the pages and into reality with DIY manipulatives and captivating models that simplify complex concepts. Tie historical timelines and cultural geography into tangible learning experiences through dolls and maps crafted by your very own classroom cartographers and historians. Step boldly into digital literacy with tech-savvy crafting projects that merge the traditional with the cutting edge. As the seasons change, so can your thematic teaching approach, with crafts that celebrate the rhythm of the year through holiday and seasonal projects. Empower blossoming musicians with homemade instruments and lead them through the exploration of sounds with acoustic crafts. Ensure the holistic development of young learners by nurturing their emotional intelligence and physical education through thoughtful and active craft projects. Understand sustainability and mindfulness while upcycling and venturing outdoors, and traverse through languages, space, entomology, human physiology, and even the basics of economics—all by the magic of crafting. "Crafting Minds" is your inspiring resource to an enriching educational experience, blending the pure joy of making with the profound process of learning. It offers a myriad of projects that promise to cultivate critical thinking, connect students with nature and the world, and instill an appreciation for the richness of knowledge. Ideal for homeschool settings, classroom enrichment, or simply weekend family fun, this comprehensive ebook is poised to change the way you view education—where every lesson is an engaging, hands-on masterpiece waiting to be created. Experience the revolution of learning through crafting. Let "Crafting Minds" be the guide that leads you and your little learners to a boundless world of knowledge and creativity. Open the cover, and let the adventure begin!

Embark on an immersive journey into the art of crafting compelling drama for radio with "Crafting Drama for Radio: A Comprehensive Guide." This essential handbook offers aspiring writers a comprehensive toolkit for mastering the intricacies of audio storytelling. From developing captivating concepts to creating dynamic characters, constructing immersive worlds, and navigating the collaborative process of production, each chapter provides invaluable insights, practical advice, and hands-on exercises to hone your skills. Whether you're a seasoned writer seeking to explore a new medium or a newcomer eager to make your mark in the world of radio drama, this book equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to captivate audiences and bring your stories to life through the power of sound. Dive into the rich history and unique opportunities of radio drama, and discover how to craft narratives that resonate with listeners in this dynamic and evocative medium.

In this book, Linda Seger shows how to create strong, multidimensional characters in fiction, covering everything from research to character block. Interviews with today's top writers complete this essential volume.

"Unraveling the Drama: Crafting a Murder Mystery Play" is your comprehensive guide to creating captivating and immersive theatrical experiences. With ten expertly crafted chapters, each packed with invaluable insights and practical advice, this book takes you on a journey through the intricate art of crafting a murder mystery masterpiece. From laying the foundation with essential elements like setting, characters, and plot, to delving into the nuances of dialogue, clues, and red herrings, every aspect of the creative process is explored in depth. Discover the secrets to designing evocative settings, developing compelling characters, and plotting intricate crimes that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a seasoned playwright or a budding amateur, this book equips you with the tools and techniques you need to bring your vision to life. Learn how to structure your play for maximum impact, navigate the rehearsal and production process, and engage and interact with your audience in innovative ways. Packed with practical tips, inspiring examples, and actionable advice, "Unraveling the Drama" is an indispensable resource for anyone passionate about the art of mystery theater. Whether you're writing your first murder mystery play or seeking to refine your craft, this book will empower you to create unforgettable theatrical experiences that will leave audiences clamoring for more.

Unleash Your Inner Wordsmith and Build a Thriving E-Book Empire! Are you a passionate writer with dreams of sharing your knowledge, stories, or expertise with the world? Do you long for the freedom to work from the comfort of your own home while turning your words into a source of income? Look no further! "EBook Entrepreneur: Crafting Your Path To Profits" is your ultimate guide to stepping into the exciting world of e-book entrepreneurship. In this comprehensive Book, you'll discover: 📖 The Art of E-Book Creation: Unlock the secrets to crafting compelling e-books that captivate readers from start to finish. Learn how to structure your content, engage your audience, and create eBooks that stand out in a crowded digital market. 📚 Understanding Your Audience: Master the art of identifying and connecting with your target readers. Explore strategies to tailor your e-books to their needs, ensuring your work resonates deeply with your audience. 🚀 Effective Marketing Techniques: Launch your e-books into the digital stratosphere with proven marketing strategies. From building a strong online presence to leveraging social media, you'll learn how to promote your work and attract a loyal readership. 💡 Monetize Your Passion: Turn your love for writing into a profitable venture. Discover multiple revenue streams, including self-publishing, affiliate marketing, and more, to build a sustainable income from your eBooks. 🌟 Success Stories: Be inspired by real-life E-Book Entrepreneurs who have turned their literary dreams into reality. Learn from their experiences and gain insights into the eBook industry's ever-evolving landscape. Whether you're a seasoned author or a first-time writer, "EBook Entrepreneur: Crafting Your Path To Profits" equips you with the knowledge, strategies, and inspiration to embark on a journey of literary entrepreneurship. Join the ranks of successful E-Book Entrepreneurs who have transformed their passion for writing into a thriving business. If you're ready to embrace your inner wordsmith, chart your course to profits, and share your unique voice with the world, this e-book is your compass. Start your e-book entrepreneurship journey today, and watch your dreams take flight!