Wesleyan University
Creative Writing: The Craft of Character
Wesleyan University

Creative Writing: The Craft of Character

This course is part of Creative Writing Specialization

88,720 already enrolled

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.5

(1,881 reviews)

6 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.5

(1,881 reviews)

6 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course

Details to know

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Taught in English

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This course is part of the Creative Writing Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course

What happens in the writer's mind before any words are written on the paper? Characters then reveal themselves through conflict and drama. Without conflict there is no purpose to the story. We then discuss desire. Human beings want things, even when we don't really know what it is we wish for. Finally, we conclude the module like Michelangelo, chipping away everything that is not the masterpiece statue of David. Learn to find what is germane to the story you are telling by looking closely at the character.

What's included

5 videos2 readings1 peer review

Here, we delve deeper into the characters. What is their physical description, and how can we describe them through action? How do they speak? What makes me want to read about them? When your characters need help or understanding, or even rescuing, this draws the reader in, far more than likability. Finally, we discuss how the plot reveals the inner life of characters through what they do as well as say.

What's included

4 videos1 peer review

How do we lead a reader to a world that feels real? Narrators have an attitude, towards subjects and audience, about the world and its events. We discuss in this module considerations involved in planning for these realities, including the differences between first and third person and the construction of dialogue with verisimilitude - the feel of real life - while stripping away the tedium. We ask what idiosyncrasies your characters possess and how to control them to advance the narrative.

What's included

4 videos1 peer review

In this module, we reflect on how our readers learn about our characters - and how we as writers do, as well. We ask questions about who is telling the story, why, and with what goal. We conclude the course with a conversation about the narrator and, distinctly, the narrative, to see how they shape the reader's perception of character and story.

What's included

4 videos1 peer review

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.5 (288 ratings)
Amy Bloom
Wesleyan University
3 Courses100,593 learners

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4.5

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