Creative Writing: The Craft of Character

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/craft-of-character

Introduction

### Review and Recommendation: Creative Writing: The Craft of Character on Coursera In the world of storytelling, characters are the beating heart of any narrative. A story can have the most intricate plot, but without characters that leap from the page and resonate with readers, it may fall flat. For aspiring writers looking to hone their character development skills, Coursera's course titled **Creative Writing: The Craft of Character** is a must-try. #### Course Overview This course, designed for both novice and experienced writers, focuses intensively on the intricacies of character creation. Participants will explore how to create complex, vivid, and unforgettable characters that embody conflict and drama—two elements essential for captivating storytelling. The curriculum spans a range of topics, from utilizing personal life experiences to inform character development to experimenting with various pre-writing techniques that can breathe life into fictional personas. #### Syllabus Highlights 1. **Discovering Characters from Your Life and Elsewhere** - This module delves into the mental processes leading up to the actual writing. It emphasizes the importance of conflict as a narrative driver, aligning desires—those conscious and subconscious cravings—that characters pursue throughout the story. By looking inward and closely examining our own experiences, writers learn to uncover and refine the essence of their characters. 2. **Creating Characters on the Page** - Building on the first module, this section looks deeper into the physical and behavioral aspects of characters. It guides students in crafting descriptions through actions and dialogue, igniting reader interest by presenting characters in need of understanding and growth. Here, the lesson shines a light on how a character's actions reveal their true nature and facilitate deeper reader engagement. 3. **Dialogue and Monologue** - The course introduces students to the subtleties involved in crafting authentic dialogue and monologues. By breaking down the differences between narrative perspectives and discussing the nuances of character idiosyncrasies, this module helps students create dialogue that feels real without diving into tedium. Writers learn how to instill their narratives with a strong sense of reality while maintaining engagement. 4. **Set Your Characters Free... and Give Them Somewhere to Go** - The final module encourages reflection on how characters evolve in the reader’s mind throughout the story. It questions the motivations behind storytelling choices, emphasizing the interplay between the narrator's voice and the characters' journeys. This outcome teaches writers to shape their narratives effectively to enhance both character depth and reader perception. #### Course Experience The structure of this course aides not just in understanding theoretical aspects but also offers practical exercises that challenge participants to put theory into practice. The combination of insightful lectures and hands-on assignments sets the stage for a holistic learning experience. Participants can expect engaging content from seasoned instructors, who share their personal insights about crafting unforgettable characters. The collaborative blogging aspect also creates a space for peer feedback, which can be invaluable for emerging writers. #### Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend **Creative Writing: The Craft of Character** for anyone serious about elevating their writing skills. Whether you're an aspiring novelist, a casual storyteller, or simply someone eager to express themselves through writing, this course will equip you with the tools to create multifaceted characters that resonate. The course's approach of combining personal reflection with practical writing techniques ensures that students leave not only with newfound knowledge but also with enriched creative potential. It's not merely about writing characters; it’s about bringing dreams to life, cultivating empathy, and understanding the human experience through storytelling. In summary, if you want to transform your writing, enhance character development, and engage readers deeply, enroll in this course on Coursera today. Your characters—and your stories—will thank you.

Syllabus

Discovering Characters from Your Life and Elsewhere

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.

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.

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.

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.