Creating Binge-Worthy Characters

Class Description

In this seminar, writers will explore character creation using examples from binge-worthy television shows such as Game of Thrones, Atlanta, Breaking Bad, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Mr. Robot.

We will discuss what made each of these character-driven stories so compelling to watch. We’ll explore protagonists and antagonists, start a character biography and explore scenes designed to bond the audience to the character. We’ll use film clips as examples to see the characters in action.

Through a series of exercises, students will generate a character of their own. This seminar is designed for writers of literary or genre fiction, playwrights and screenwriters, or binge-watching addicts interested in finding out what makes their favorite characters tick.

Writers explored:

Sarah Gertrude Shapiro (Unreal)
Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot, Homecoming)
Donald Glover (Atlanta)
Jenji Kohan (Weeds, Orange is the New Black, Glow)
Amy Sherman-Palladino (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)
George R.R. Martin (Game of Thrones)
David Chase (The Sopranos)
Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders)
Jill Soloway (Transparent)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag)
Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul)

Class Format

This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood. Please note that proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is required to attend this class. Please submit your proof of vaccination here at least 48 hours before your class begins. Read on to learn more about GrubStreet's vaccine protocol and find information about where to get vaccinated below.

GrubStreet Vaccine Protocol

Please submit your most recent proof of vaccination, which requires a booster shot for those eligible, here at least 48 hours before your class begins. If you have previously submitted a proof of vaccination that did not include your booster shot, you will need to resubmit your updated vaccine card. If you are not able to fill out our vaccination form 48 hours before your class begins, please bring your vaccine card (or a photo of it) with you to the building. Please note that if you arrive for class and you have not filled out the form and do not have proof of vaccination with you, you will not be allowed to participate in the class. And don’t forget your mask! In accordance with the City of Boston, masks will be required at all times while inside the building. Click here to read GrubStreet's full Vaccination and Masking Policy.

Vaccination status: For in-person classes and events, your vaccination status is considered up-to-date until the time you are eligible for a booster – which is 5 months after the second dose in a two-shot series. Boosters are required for all visitors on our second floor if your second shot was more than 5 months ago.

Need help getting vaccinated? It’s free and easy to receive a COVID-19 vaccine! Please visit Massachusetts’ VaxFinder page to find a vaccination site near you. If you'd like to learn more, you can read the answers to some commonly asked questions about COVID vaccination here.

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.