Class Description
Characters are the lifeblood of your story. They should be vibrant and interesting, compelling and surprising. But where do you start in creating them, and how do you know if they’re working? In this generative and fun class, we will review six methods of characterization, as well as common character types, read published works that use these techniques successfully, and then put those techniques into practice in our own writing. Each week, we'll review an element of character, whether a method of characterization (e.g. physical description, dialogue, etc.), and/or character types (e.g. protagonist, antagonist, supporting,). We’ll also pinpoint how characterization touches other aspects of fiction including plot, suspense, and dialogue. We will read examples from authors including Min Jin Lee, Anne Tyler, Colson Whitehead, Tim Gautreaux, and Tayari Jones. Through guided prompts and questions, we will develop a new character each week from the same story and then write a scene featuring that character using the methods we’ve learned and submit it for feedback. At the end of the course, students will have detailed portraits for six different characters to populate their story, and an expanded toolbox for developing future characters.
*NOTE that while our handy dandy "Schedule" tab states a 6-7pm class time, there are actually no live meetings for this class! Weekly lessons and assignments open each Wednesday. Students will receive an invitation to Wet Ink, our online class platform, before 5pm on the first day of class.
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.
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.