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.

Many writers believe once they have their basic plot points in place, their stories are destined to succeed. But many narratives fall flat between those plot points and lose their audience before the big finish. Engaging the audience and moving the story forward in every scene is the responsibility of the characters, not the plot. But while many books on the craft of writing state that characters need to be three dimensional and change, a beginning writer isn't always sure how to turn these rather abstract ideas into concrete craft on the page. Crafting the Character Arc offers a practical guide to character creation and development by expanding upon the concept of the character arc and creating a step-by-step guide for writers to ensure that their characters are dynamic and engaging. Using narrative examples from multiple platforms, including novels, films and games, this is the essential guide for helping writers create an active and well-defined character arc. Crafting The Character Arc is structured in three main parts. Part One covers the more traditional, basic approach to creating character, including personality traits, depth, secrets, goals versus emotional needs, active versus reactive protagonists, and dramatic functions. Part Two introduces the Major Dramatic Curve, a detailed pictorial representation of a character arc and its major elements: place of rest, inciting incident, rising action, crisis point, climax and falling action/resolution. Part Three offers practical applications of the Major Dramatic Curve. The writer is given guidance for using the curve to create a dynamic and engaging narrative work. Lastly, some variations in using the Major Dramatic Curve are explored and exceptions to the rules are addressed. Character Arcs are a critical part of every story making this guide applicable to multiple mediums: novels, short stories, films, TV, games, plays, and Web series.

"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.