Fiction Lesson:
character
"So then a thing happens..." This mindset defines what readers and writers traditionally consider to be a "plot" and the backbone of a successful narrative. This Lesson does not dispute such a reading. A well-written plot, the motion of events in a story which facilitate the actions and growth of characters, often draws less attention than well-written characters. Readers will quickly connect with those they sympathize with or find interesting, and they distance themselves from those who do not. In that way, successful characters, though tricky in their own right, can be easier to compose. Plots, however, can move invisibly, under the surface, and so require a close, scrutinizing eye. This Lesson, composed of four Parts, aims to turn both a writer's and reader's eye towards the creation of successful plots, both linear and nonlinear, traditional and nontraditional. ​Various illuminating excerpts from craft books will augment lectures, discussions, and activities. This Lesson is suitable for writers of all levels and in all stages of narrative development.
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Note: Each lesson can be taught as part of a larger cohesive lecture, emphasizing greater inter-part connections, or individually with greater detail and more time for questions and activities.
PART 1:
The Tree of Traits
Part 1 explores point-of-view (PoV) and how each choice of PoV available to an author contains different strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. Traditional PoVs include first and third person, past and present tense, though other, less-conventional, PoVs are also explored to provide a fuller perspective on the capabilities of each. Examples of several types of PoV are discussed. The selection of a PoV is one of an author's most significant, far-reaching choices. Therefore, this Part examines the repercussions of such a choice very closely.
Activities include: Tree of Traits
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Note: Special activity: ROCKS
PART 2:
Character as Description & Action
Part 2 explores how characters express themselves on the page. Characters must show, rather than tell. It's not enough to be told a character is "generous" or "dangerous." Methods for organically presenting character traits through description and action are discussed and played with. PoV (point-of-view) will be examined as an essential vehicle for communicating unique character traits. Part 2 pairs well with Plot's Part 1, also focusing on PoV. If the group desires, Part 2 can also cover "action" in the more frenetic sense, covering how motion, violence, and combat can convey character traits and establish a "mental tone and rhythm" within characters' minds and actions. Note, there is further crossover with Plot's Lesson, namely Part 4.​
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Activities include: How They Walk Their Walks & Action​
PART 3:
Words, Words, Words...
Part 3 explores dialogue, including how it may be used at a sentence level as well as a vehicle for demonstrating character. Theoretically, an effective exchange of dialogue should function without conversation tags (he said, she yelled, etc.), as the character traits which shape what is being said, and how, should come clearly through. Part 3 covers a hypothetical conflict, told through dialogue, between two characters in disagreement yet who are also sympathetic towards one another. The Tree of Traits and Part 2's discussion on action and PoV play a major role in the discussions during Part 3. Furthermore, if the group is interested, narration, as a form of dialogue between writer and reader, can be examined and discussed.
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Activities include: Conflict without violence
PART 4:
Now It's a Party!
Part 4 explores inter-character dynamics. While a character may be fleshed-out, complex, and compelling on their own, fictional characters, much like real people, truly come alive when in the presence of others and when working alongside, or working against, other equally-complex characters. Character webs, informed by well-known character groups in existing narratives, will be drawn up and both conflicts and harmonies explored.
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Activities include: Hypothetical situations & discussion
