Character Design for Writers
In this class learners will create a character profile to develop complex characters for their creative writing or world building projects.
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
In this One-Time class, learners will focus on creating original character personas. We will concentrate on design details that bring their characters to life! This class is aimed at writers but film makers, RPG players, and anyone looking to create or improve their original characters are welcome! I will begin with some slides to introduce some basic character roles and archetypes to set the foundation for their designs. We will discuss how to give a story dimension through character background details and speech patterns. Learners will be able to choose a character worksheet that fits their creative style and begin designing their own characters. Everyone will have time to discuss their writing interests and socialize with their peers while developing unique characters for their own writing or gaming projects. At the end, learners will be invited to share their projects. Sharing is encouraged but not required. Learners may enroll in this class as many times as they choose to improve their character designs and world building skills! All experience levels welcome! Whether this is the first time you’ve ever created a character or you’re in the middle of writing an epic novel, this is designed to help you take the next step in creating engaging personas that your readers can bond with.
Learning Goals
Students will discuss character roles, archetypes and tropes to understand the standard character models and then design their own unique character.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Learners are free to share their own creative ideas about characters and their ongoing stories. Sometimes this may lead to more mature conversations, but learners will be encouraged to keep language and graphic content to themselves.
Supply List
Several character design worksheets will be provided and the learner can choose one in the format they prefer to print and use in class. Learners will need something to write with to complete their worksheet and scrap paper is recommended but not required.
3 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Warren Wilson College
I have lead workshops and activities for different creative writing groups while working with homeschooling co-ops and other programs I’ve been involved in. I am also an avid gamer and enjoy the complex world building involved in games like Dungeons & Dragons. I write for personal enjoyment and enjoy sharing my passion with young writers. I’m a three-time NaNoWriMo winner; National Novel Writing Month is every November and the challenge is to write a 50,000 word novel in a single month. I also write fanfiction, a recently popularized genre of writing using existing characters or ‘universes’ from movies, books, anime etc. to tell a completely new story.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$10
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-16
3-8 learners per class