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Character X-Crafting Amazing Characters

Ten lessons to learn how to develop great characters for short stories, novels, comics, or scripts.
Jessika O'Sullivan
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(1,153)
Popular
Class

What's included

10 pre-recorded lessons
10 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Assignments
1 hour per week. Every week, there is the option to send in the assignment for feedback from the teacher
Assessment
Every week, there is the option to send in the assignment for feedback from the teacher

Class Experience

Beginner - Advanced Level
Discover the secrets behind crafting unforgettable characters in this engaging and comprehensive class taught by a self-published, award-winning writer.

 Gain valuable insights and practical techniques as we delve into every aspect of character development. 

This class covers everything from meticulously crafting physical appearances to delving deep into backstories, habits, quirks, relationships, dreams, and goals.


Through interactive and fun exercises, such as exploring daily routines and conducting character interviews, you'll gain the tools to create compelling, relatable characters and learn how to infuse them with depth and authenticity. 

By the end, your characters, vital components of your stories, will be fully realized.
Learning Goals
create well-rounded characters
Learn how to use your character's backstory, goals, and dreams to shape a stor
learning goal

Syllabus

10 Lessons
over 10 Weeks
Lesson 1:
From head to toe-A character's looks
 When creating a character, you can reveal their personality, hint at their past, and give clues about their lives through their physical appearance. 
17 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
What is a backstory?
 Learn what a backstory is and how it influences your character's life and their story arc. 
16 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
Habits and personality quirks
 Everyone has habits and personality quirks that make them unique and different from others. Habits can be simple things like what they have for breakfast or what we often call "bad habits." Quirks can be jingling their keys in their pockets, fidgeting, or always using laughing emojis no matter the content of the message. 
Lesson 4:
Family and friends
 Who are your character's family and friends, and how will the people close to them shape their story? 
9 mins of video lessons

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Some of the lessons and booklets will touch upon sensitive subjects including trauma, accidents, and loss.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2016
4.9
1153reviews
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
In my creative writing classes, I encourage students to draw from their experiences and thoughts to create unique pieces and share my passion for writing. This passion has been recognized with four awards for a short story and three poems,  which I hope will inspire your students.

I am an immigrant from Sweden with a master's degree in education from Lund/Malmö University.
I am dedicated to forming connections with my students and customizing my teaching to suit their age. I aim to challenge my students while ensuring they never feel like failures. Patience, humor, and kindness are paramount in my approach.

As a teacher, I foster critical thinking through various activities such as research and discussions. The most rewarding part of my job is igniting my students' joy of learning and nurturing their curiosity about the world.

I believe in incorporating play into my teaching whenever possible, as I believe that everyone, regardless of age, has a playful side.


I have previously taught social and political science, religion, and geography and have nearly 25 years of experience working with children of different ages.

My diverse interests include folklore, photography, nature, books, and history, particularly on overlooked historical figures. I hope to share these interests with your students, sparking their curiosity and broadening their horizons.

I eagerly look forward to having your student in my class and am excited to embark on this learning journey together!

Reviews

Self-Paced Course
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$13

weekly or $130 for all content
10 pre-recorded lessons
10 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

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Ages: 12-18

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