Create Compelling Characters:

When written well, characters seize our attention and compel us to engage. They stay in our minds long after we’ve closed the pages of our novel, binge-watched the entire box set, or exited the auditorium. We mull over their relationships, wonder if they did the right thing, and ponder how they might behave in different scenarios. But why is it that some characters are more compelling than others?
Every write wants to know how to create characters that resonate with readers, stirring their emotions and rousing their empathy. That’s the goal we all share as writers, young and old, right? There is a way to combine psychology and writing to make characters come alive on the page.

In this class young authors will learn the basics of human psychology that will help them create compelling and believable characters. In this class we go about the process of ensuring that the characters that we’re writing about are satisfyingly complex. Is character complexity always solved by just layering in more personality traits? And if so, how many does a character need? Are more traits always better? Or could some traits be more memorable than others? These questions and so much more will be explored in this class.

This class is for those who really enjoy writing and want to take their novel, short stories, plays, documentaries or screen plays to the next level. If your young author has ever been in the position of explaining their characters’ motivation or intent to others will enjoy this class. No knowledge of psychology is needed for this class. In fact, we will not be delving into psychology pe se, we will just be looking at traits that motivate characters; much like the characters in the children and young adult books you have read. In fact, even picture books have well-developed characters. We will just be looking at character-building concepts from a very elementary level. The ideas are simple but powerful when composing fiction. Fantasy writers might enjoy this class because placing the right character in their world will build believability in their story.

Think about your favorite book, and it might even be a picture book: Why do you like the characters? Good writers know how to get readers to like, or relate, to their characters. Shakespeare was a master writer who understood human nature. His characters are still memorable over the centuries of reading. Likewise, Dr. Suess' famed character the Cat-in-the-Hat is also memorable. Why?  Both authors made their characters compelling. We will not be discussing these books, but we will be referencing books young people like such as novels by Rick Riodan. 

Learners who have taken Creative Writing & Young Author Club, Young Adult Creative Writing or Introduction to Creative Writing will especially enjoy this class due to its depth. This class builds upon introductory creative writing skills.  

Class size is limited due to attention the instructor will provide each young author.

Class Schedule:
•	A review of student homework aligned to the weekly schedule. (First week homework will be posted in the Outschool classroom). 
•	Instruction: Answering the weekly questions (see below in weekly schedule).
                         PowerPoint and instructor YouTube videos (will be used by the instructor during class)
•	Sharing: Learners will share weekly in-class exercises
•	Wrap-up: The upcoming homework will be reviewed


Session One: 
Objective/ question to be answered: Why are some characters more compelling than others?
•	Activities:
•	Collectively the class will create a character and loosely determine a plot/ story. 
•	Learners will examine the five dimensions of character believability. These dimensions shape how a character engages in difficulties, relates to others and makes decisions. Understanding this is foundational to creating a character arc.
•	Learners will share their character creation process with the class.
•	Learners will make a regular character stand out using the five dimensions.
•	Characters will be explored for the five dimensions of character. 
Note: The Big Five personality dimensions (extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, conscientiousness, and openness to experience) are at the very core of character, and shape how a character’s likely to engage with the world, relate to others, experience the world emotionally, deal with responsibilities and even speak.
•	Homework: Align the character you created using the five-character dimensions discussed in class

Session Two:
Objective/ question: How can we get our readers to cheer for and connect with our characters?
Activities:
•	Collectively and individually learners will create a character arc based on the previously studied five dimensions of character. 
•	Learners will compose sub-traits for their characters to make their characters more relatable and to avoid characters being simply stick figures or shadows of reality.
•	The sub-traits will be added 
•	Homework: Learners will add the sub-traits to their characters.

Session Three:
Objective/ question: How to make characters unforgettable for the reader? How to make characters more believable? 
Activities:
•	Learners will learn how to use the five dimensions to get their characters to stand out from the literary crowd.
•	Learners will master making characters unpredictable, yet at the same time spontaneous.
•	Learners will share their stories with one another and identify any flaws in the character arc. 
•	Homework: Learners will create characters that are memorable based on the weekly session.

Session Four 
Objective/ question: How do we add depth to a character such that readers immediately connect with the character? 
Activities:
•	Learners will review the five dimensions of creating characters. 
•	Learners will discuss basic human needs and how those needs relate to character development. 
•	Learners will review traits and sub-traits that make characters stand-out in their writing.
•	Homework; Optional- Create a character based on what you have learned and submit to the instructor for comment. 


Prof. Cheryl Carter is a professional writer, college professor (Writing and Creative Writing) and Writing workshop facilitator has developed this system as a result of her freelance experience and working with her college-aged writers. Moreover, she found she was teaching this material to her Outschool workshop students (ages 9-18) who were struggling to develop strong characters. She also has experience in psychology and holds a graduate certificate in Counseling

The instructor will use her Powerpoints and  Youtube videos during class to reinforce concepts.