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  • 1 Or 2 Day Seminar
  • Online: Zoom
  • Adult (18+)

Elements of Fiction: Characterization

No Longer Enrolling

  • $65.00 Non-Member
  • $55.00 Member

Class Description

What makes a character come alive on the page? What is a well-rounded character, and do all our characters need to be rounded? In this class, suitable for both new writers and those looking for a refresher, you’ll gain a firm grounding in the fundamentals of characterization, beginning with Aristotle’s dictum that character is action, and explore the many techniques of character presentation available to writers of fiction. We’ll do close readings of work by authors such as Elizabeth Strout, Zadie Smith, and Paul Harding, work on exercises designed to bring your characters to life, and share what you’ve written in class for quick, on-the-spot feedback. Come to class with a character (or characters) you’re struggling with, including draft pages to share and use for exercises.

Scholarships Format/Location

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

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

Zoom Participation:

Students are not required to turn their camera on, but are encouraged to participate any way they feel comfortable through functions such as the live chat, emoji reactions, and unmuting the microphone. Learn more about using Zoom here.

Zoom Accessibility:

We ask that instructors enable closed captioning and send a transcript of the session after class. You can also enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting. If your instructor forgets to send the transcript, just send ’em an email!