Where do ideas for creating fictional characters come from? How are these ideas developed so that characters are both believable and complex? In this daylong program, writer Elizabeth Poliner leads a lively exploration of these questions through discussion and the use of in-class writing exercises. After developing characters through various techniques, learn how an understanding of character can generate a story’s plot. By the end of the day, participants may have enough material at hand to go home and write a great story!
10–11:15 a.m. How To Create Believable Fictional Characters
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Techniques for Getting To Know Your Characters Before You Start Writing Your Story
12:30–1:30 p.m. Lunch (boxed lunch included)
1:30–2:30 p.m. Understanding the Connection Between Character and Plot
2:45–3:45 p.m. Combing Character and Plot To Arrive at a Story
Poliner is the author of As Close to Us as Breathing and Mutual Life and Casualty and is director of the Jackson Center for Creative Writing at Hollins University.
