4 CHAPTERS

With exercises

EXAMPLES & VIDEOS

Explaining concepts

$4.99

GET GUIDE!
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KEY SKILLS LEARNED
  • Fundamentals of effective characterization
  • How to balance plot with character exposition
  • Practical steps to know your characters inside out
  • How to write character backstory effectively
WHO IS THIS FOR?
  • Writers seeking to improve character-writing skills
  • Writers who want to develop detailed characters
  • Writers seeking to master elements such as how to profile story characters and present backstory
  • Writers seeking practical advice, exercises and examples to develop lifelike characters

WHAT MEMBERS SAY:

The Creating Characters Course is awesome. I have stepped up my game with some ideas I had never thought about. This is great for beginner and even the experienced writer that wants to improve their character creation.

— Robin

Now novel has changed the way I write, it has taught me to look deeper into my story in ways I would have never done before.

— Karen

My favorite part is the character break downs. The quotes are also amazing and keep me inspired.

— Jess
Read more reviews on: Trustspot Logo

WORKBOOK OUTLINE

Now Novel icon - lightbulb for peopling your story
CHAPTER 01
“Peopling your story”

Learn why characterization is important and do initial exercises to explore core character creation concepts.

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CHAPTER 02
Plot vs. Character

Learn about the relationship between plot and characterization and how to make each serve the other.

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CHAPTER 03
Getting to know Joe

Learn multiple strategies for developing story characters until your story's cast comes to life.

Now Novel icon - thumbs up for a character's backstory
CHAPTER 04
Bringing the skeletons out

Learn how to use backstory (characters' written/implied or private pasts) to give characters depth and motivations.

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An online novel writing course that's tailor-made to get you to actually write that book you've been thinking about.

Oprah Magazine

HOW TO WRITE REAL CHARACTERS: CHARACTER DESCRIPTION - CHAPTER OUTLINE

Chapter 01

In “Peopling your story”: Why characterization is so important we introduce core characterization terms and concepts.


  • Read an overview of your guide
  • Read characterization terms and definitions
  • Understand why characterization matters
  • Complete practical exercises to apply what you've learned
Chapter 02

In Plot vs. Character: What comes first?, you'll learn the ways conflict, genre and other elements of writing affect the relationship between writing characters and plot points or story events.


  • Learn the role of internal and external character conflict
  • Learn common characterization missteps to avoid
  • Read illustrative examples from well-known books
  • Complete practical exercises to apply what you've learned
Chapter 03

In Getting to know Joe: Forming a relationship with your characters, you'll learn strategies to develop characters (includes a character profile worksheet you can use together with the ‘Characters’ outlining tool in the Now Novel dashboard).


  • Read methods to know your characters deeply
  • Complete a concise worksheet to brainstorm character details
  • Read inspiring quotes on characterization
  • Complete practical exercises to apply what you've learned
Chapter 04

In Bringing the Skeletons out of the closet: Dealing with backstory, you'll learn to balance backstory with present story events and give characters compelling histories.


  • Learn what backstory is and how to use it effectively
  • Learn common backstory missteps to avoid
  • Read examples of effective backstory from popular novels
  • Complete practical exercises to apply what you've learned

Create more believable characters: