Creative Writing Masterclass: How to Create Great Characters!

What makes a great character? How can we create great characters in our own creative writing? In this one-time fun and interactive class, students will learn how to creative fantastic, convincing characters.

A character is a person, an animal, a 'thing' in a story. Think about your favourite books; what do you like about them? Why is it so important to have engaging and believable characters?

Students will think about what makes a 'good' character, and through a series of fun exercises and activities, they will begin to plan and develop a new character.

Structure (50-minute class):

3 minutes: Introductions and class expectations

5 minutes: Talking about 'character'. What does it mean? Why is it important? Learners will look at pictures of familiar characters (from films and books) and think about whether s/he is a good character. Believable? Fun? Friendly?

5 minutes: “My best friend!” game. Twelve adjective (describing words, e.g. friendly, boring) will appear on the slide and learners are asked to pick three of them at random.  We will then set the timer for three minutes and everyone will write a description of a character incorporating those three things. (They can also draw them if they prefer!) They have to describe the person as if it was their best friend!

5 minutes: Let’s plan! Students will share their favourite books and any story ideas they have. They will then complete a full character profile, answering questions such as name, age, best thing about them, family, etc. This gives them the opportunity to really build up their character. 

3 minutes: Challenge me! Each students will give me one adjective. I will then have to create a character based around all the adjectives. Challenge accepted!

10 minutes: Let’s write! Students will write a short scene based on their new character (and I will write a short scene based on their challenge!) Optional sentences starters are available.

5 minutes: Let’s share! Students will share their work with the class, and we will talk about what worked well in their writing. We will have a general chat about how we can make our characters more convincing. 

5 minutes: Going forward. We will talk about how we can take our story forward. I will share top tips about how to study characters when you are reading.

4 minutes: Reflections and conclusions. How can we make great characters?

I can’t wait to see what brilliant characters are created! 

I have a Masters from the University of Oxford, a professional teaching qualification, and many years’ experience teaching English, History and Creative Writing. 

I am currently being sponsored to write a historical fiction novel so I cannot wait to share my knowledge with your learners- and I can't wait to hear their ideas!

No prior knowledge is required, but it would be lovely if learners can come to the class thinking about their favourite characters, or perhaps stories which they have enjoyed.

Classroom Policies:

We respect others and have fun!

Please feel free to email me any questions you may have.

My most important policy: there is no such thing as a bad question! Please come into the class with an open mind and we will all learn from each other. I hope to see you in class!