Really enjoyed this course. The structure made it easy to follow, and the content was super engaging.
Character Development for Creative Writing
Learn to build authentic, multi-dimensional characters and craft compelling narrative arcs through foundational writing principles and structured exercises.
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In English
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About this course
Course contents
6 modules · 28 lessons · 3h 2m
1
Character Foundations and Psychology
Understand the pillars that make a character human and three-dimensional.
- Writer's Glossary
Introduction to essential technical terms for character development.6 min - From Archetype to Individual
How to use archetypes as a foundation and then move beyond them to create complexity.7 min - The Golden Triangle: Desire, Need, and Fear
Define what the character wants and what they truly need.7 min - The 'Why': The Power of Motivation
Explore the deep reasons that drive a character to act.6 min - Personality Traits and Temperament
Apply basic psychological concepts to define character.6 min
2
Design and Pre-writing Tools
Utilize technical frameworks to map character identity.
- The Art of Backstory
Build a past that justifies the character's present behavior.7 min - The Modern Character Sheet
Use effective pre-writing frameworks without getting lost in unnecessary details.6 min - Psychological Profiles for Narrative
Adapt real psychological models to give coherence to the cast.7 min - Mapping Relationships
Create a network of connections that defines the character through others.6 min - The 'Ghost' of the Past
Identify the traumatic or significant event that shapes current psychology.6 min
3
Voice and Dialogue
Make the character recognizable through the way they speak.
- Finding the Unique Voice
Define a character's specific lexicon, rhythm, and tone.7 min - Revealing Dialogues
Write verbal exchanges that reveal the speaker's history and perspective.7 min - Subtext in Dialogue
Learn to make characters say one thing while meaning another.6 min - Exercise: The Voice Test
Write a dialogue scene, removing names to check for distinct voices.7 min
4
Conflict and Action
Show inner depth through choices and actions.
- Internal Conflict
Present the character with moral or emotional dilemmas.7 min - Show, Don't Tell: Emotions in Action
Translate abstract feelings into concrete, visible actions.7 min - Body Language
Use non-verbal communication to deepen characterization.6 min - Vulnerabilities and Secrets
Make a character human by showing their weaknesses.6 min - Reactions Under Pressure
How the character changes or reveals themselves during moments of crisis.6 min
5
Originality and Reality
Avoid clichés and draw from real-life experience to create diversity.
- Subverting Tropes
Take a narrative cliché and flip it to surprise the reader.7 min - Diversity and Inclusivity
Create diverse and authentic characters without falling into tokenism.7 min - From Reality to Page
Transform observations of real people into effective narrative traits.6 min - Empathy Towards the Antagonist
Create complex 'villains' who have valid reasons from their perspective.6 min
6
Narrative Arc and Final Scene
Unite character and plot into a single, coherent evolution.
- The Transformation Arc
Design the character's change from the beginning to the end of the story.7 min - Synchronizing Character and Plot
Ensure that story events force the character to grow.7 min - Building the Key Scene
Practical writing exercise for a key character-centric scene.7 min - Consistency and Plausibility
Check that the character's actions are always true to their nature.6 min - Cast Review
Analyze whether each character in the cast has a distinct function and voice.6 min
The Protagonist's Dossier
Create a complete profile for an original character and write a 500-word scene that showcases their internal conflict and unique voice.
What you'll get
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Certificate of completion
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Personal AI tutor
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Audio version included
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Lifetime access
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Phone or computer
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14-day refund
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Short & focused
3h 2m of practical content
Certificate of completion
Every course you complete on PickAClass issues a credential like this — original, with its own code, verifiable by URL, and detailed about what was actually demonstrated.
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Frequently asked
What do I need to take this course? +
Just a phone or computer with internet. No installs, no special hardware.
How do I pay? +
By card via Stripe. We don’t store card details — Stripe handles them securely.
Can I get a refund? +
Yes — full refund within 14 days, no questions asked.
How long will I have access? +
Forever. Once you purchase, the course is yours to revisit anytime.
Will I get a certificate? +
Yes. On completion you'll receive a certificate you can add to your LinkedIn profile.
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